Translation guide
How to express that someone or something is recognized, acknowledged, or identified in Japanese. The best choice depends on whether you mean visual recognition, acknowledging a fact, or official acceptance.
To identify someone or something you have seen before, or to notice something in your surroundings.
To distinguish or tell apart by sight. Used when you can identify someone or something among others.
彼は双子を見分けられなかった。
He couldn't tell the twins apart.
To recognize or realize; a very common and natural verb for 'I recognize that person/thing'.
あの人、どこかで見たことあるけど、誰だかわからない。
I've seen that person somewhere, but I can't recognize who it is.
To recognize or perceive; slightly more formal. Often used for recognizing faces, patterns, or situations.
顔認識システムが彼を認識した。
The facial recognition system recognized him.
To notice or become aware of something. Implies you didn't see it at first but then recognized it.
彼女が部屋に入ったのに気づかなかった。
I didn't notice (recognize) that she had entered the room.
To accept or admit that something is true, valid, or important.
To acknowledge, admit, or recognize a fact, mistake, or someone's ability. Very common.
彼は自分の間違いを認めた。
He recognized (admitted) his mistake.
彼女の才能は広く認められている。
Her talent is widely recognized.
To recognize a fact or situation; often used in formal contexts.
問題の深刻さを認識する必要がある。
We need to recognize the seriousness of the problem.
To know and recognize one's place, duty, or what is proper. Often used in set phrases.
To give formal or legal acceptance to something.
To officially approve or recognize, such as a government, qualification, or status.
その国は新しい政府を承認した。
The country recognized the new government.
Can also be used for official recognition, but 承認する is more precise for formal acts.
裁判所は彼の主張を認めた。
The court recognized his claim.
認める is the most common for acknowledging facts or admitting mistakes. 認識する is more about cognitive recognition or awareness of a situation. 承認する is for formal/official approval.
彼はミスを認めた。
He admitted his mistake.
危険を認識している。
I am aware of the danger.
国連はその独立を承認した。
The UN recognized its independence.
彼は自分の立場をわきまえている。
He recognizes (knows) his place.