Definitions

rèn (verb) to recognize; to identify
rèn (verb) to know; to be familiar with
rèn (verb) to admit; to acknowledge

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The traditional character "認" incorporates the semantic component "言" relating to speech and the component "忍" which functions phonetically, aligning with its historical pronunciation and its association with verbal acts of acknowledgment. Over time, the character has consistently denoted processes of recognition, identification, and admission, such as in identifying objects or conceding statements. The simplified form "认" retains the simplified semantic radical "讠" derived from "言" and substitutes the phonetic element with "人", a component selected for its analogous sound, while maintaining the character's fundamental meanings related to cognitive acceptance and confirmation.

Example Sentences Hide

识他。

Wǒ rènshí tā.

I know him.

你要真写字。

Nǐ yào rènzhēn xiězì.

You need to write characters seriously/carefully.

为这是对的吗?

Nǐ rènwéi zhè shì duì de ma?

Do you think this is right?

我不识这个字。

Wǒ bú rènshí zhège zì.

I don't recognize this character.

我承我犯了一个错误。

Wǒ chéngrèn wǒ fànle yí gè cuòwù.

I admit that I made a mistake.

公司可他的工作能力。

Gōngsī rènkě tā de gōngzuò nénglì.

The company recognizes/approves of his work ability.

他一眼就出了老朋友。

Tā yì yǎn jiù rènchūle lǎo péngyou.

He recognized his old friend at a glance.

经过这件事,他深刻识到了自己的错误。

Jīngguò zhè jiàn shì, tā shēnkè rènshí dàole zìjǐ de cuòwù.

After this incident, he deeply realized his own mistake.