Translation guide
The English verb 'acknowledge' covers several distinct communicative acts: admitting a fact, recognizing someone's presence or contribution, confirming receipt of a message, and expressing gratitude. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions for each of these situations. Direct translation with a single word often fails.
The speaker concedes that something is true, often reluctantly, or accepts responsibility for a mistake.
The most direct and common verb for acknowledging a fact, mistake, or the truth of a situation. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
彼は自分の間違いを認めた。
He acknowledged his mistake.
会社は問題の存在を認めました。
The company acknowledged the existence of the problem.
To confess or admit something, often under pressure or when revealing a secret. Stronger nuance than 認める.
彼はついに罪を白状した。
He finally acknowledged his crime.
Literally 'cannot deny', used to acknowledge an undeniable fact or aspect. Often used in the pattern ～は否めない.
景気が後退していることは否めない。
It cannot be denied that the economy is in a recession.
The speaker shows that they have noticed someone or something, or formally recognizes their importance, authority, or effort.
To recognize or be aware of someone/something. Often used for acknowledging a person's role, contribution, or a situation. More formal than 認める in this sense.
彼の功績は広く認識されている。
His achievements are widely acknowledged.
我々は彼をリーダーとして認識している。
We acknowledge him as our leader.
To greet or acknowledge someone's presence with a greeting. The most natural way to express 'acknowledge' when you see someone.
彼は私に気づいたが、挨拶しなかった。
He noticed me but didn't acknowledge me.
Can also mean to acknowledge someone's value, status, or effort, especially in the sense of giving approval or recognition.
In casual situations, acknowledging someone's presence is often done non-verbally or with a simple うん or おはよう, rather than a specific verb.
（会釈する）
(acknowledge with a nod)
The speaker indicates that they have received and understood a communication.
A clear and natural phrase meaning 'to inform that one has received something'. Commonly used in business emails.
メールを受け取ったことをお知らせください。
Please acknowledge receipt of the email.
To confirm (receipt). Often used in business contexts to acknowledge that something has been received and checked.
ご注文を確認いたしました。
We acknowledge your order.
To understand and acknowledge (instructions, information). Common in military or hierarchical settings, but can sound blunt in everyday business.
Can sound too direct or military-like in normal business emails. Use 承知する or 確認する instead.
指示を了解しました。
I acknowledge the instructions.
The speaker publicly or formally thanks someone for their help, support, or contribution.
A formal expression meaning 'to express one's gratitude'. Used in speeches, formal letters, and acknowledgments sections.
ここに深く感謝の意を表します。
I would like to acknowledge my deep gratitude here.
To say thank you; a more casual way to acknowledge someone's help. Suitable for everyday situations.
助けてくれたことにお礼を言いたい。
I want to acknowledge your help.
To give a speech of thanks; very formal, used in ceremonies or the acknowledgments section of a book.
著者は序文で謝辞を述べている。
The author acknowledges contributors in the preface.
While 認める can mean 'acknowledge' in the sense of recognizing a fact or status, it is not used for simply acknowledging someone's presence with a greeting. Use 挨拶する or describe the action (e.g., 会釈する).
認める implies acceptance or approval of a fact, mistake, or person's worth. 認識する is more about cognitive recognition or awareness, often used for acknowledging abstract concepts, roles, or situations. 認識する is more formal and less emotional.
彼は自分の非を認めた。
He acknowledged his fault.
問題の重要性を認識している。
We acknowledge the importance of the issue.
彼女は自分が間違っていたことを認めた。
She acknowledged that she had made a mistake.
この手紙を受け取ったことをお知らせください。
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter.
彼は私がいることさえ認識しなかった。
He didn't even acknowledge my presence.
上司は私の努力を認めてくれた。
My boss acknowledged my efforts.