認める

• Reading: みとめる
• Romaji: mitomeru
• Kanji breakdown: 認 (nin/mito) — recognise, acknowledge, approve
• Pronunciation: /mi.to.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To recognise; to acknowledge; to admit; to approve. A versatile verb with multiple related meanings.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb conjugated by dropping る. Has several distinct uses: to recognise or notice (姿を認める), to acknowledge or admit (過ちを認める), and to approve or permit (許可を認める). The context determines which meaning applies.

Examples

1. 彼は自分の間違いを素直に認めた。 He honestly admitted his mistake.
2. 社長は新しい計画を認めてくれた。 The president approved the new plan.
3. 彼女の才能は誰もが認めている。 Everyone recognizes her talent.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, business, formal speech

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From classical Japanese 認む (mitomu). The kanji 認 features 言 (word/speech) and 忍 (endure), suggesting careful acknowledgement after deliberation.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal