Translation guide
The English verb "admit" covers several distinct meanings: confessing to something, allowing entry, acknowledging truth, and accepting patients. Each meaning maps to different Japanese expressions.
To say that you have done something wrong or that something is true, often reluctantly.
The most common and versatile verb for admitting a fact, fault, or truth. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
He admitted his mistake.
I have to admit that she is right.
Specifically means to confess, often used for admitting guilt or a secret. Slightly more dramatic than 認める.
He confessed his crime to the police.
To confess, often used for personal feelings, secrets, or romantic confessions. Can also be used for admitting a crime.
He confessed his love to her.
To confide or open up about something personal, often a secret or worry. Implies a close relationship.
She admitted her troubles to her best friend.
To allow someone to enter a place, or to allow someone to join an organization.
The most common verb for letting someone in physically. Can be used for rooms, buildings, events, etc.
He admitted me into the room.
This ticket admits two people.
Specifically for admitting someone to a school. The phrase 入学を許可する is formal; in casual speech, 入れる is often used.
Formal expression for allowing entry to a venue or event. Often seen on signs or in official contexts.
To accept that something is true or valid, often in an argument or discussion.
To take someone into a hospital for treatment.
The standard verb for admitting a patient to a hospital. The intransitive form is 入院する (to be hospitalized).
He was admitted to the hospital as an emergency.
The doctor decided to admit her to the hospital.
認める is the general term for admitting a fact or mistake. 白状する is specifically for confessing guilt or a secret, often under pressure. 告白する is for confessing feelings or personal truths, and can be used for crimes but sounds more emotional.
He admitted to cheating.
The suspect confessed to the crime.
He confessed his secret to her.
認める cannot be used for allowing someone to enter a place. Use 入れる or 入場を許可する instead. Saying 彼を部屋に認めた would mean 'I acknowledged him in the room', not 'I let him into the room'.
I must admit, I was wrong.
The university admitted 500 new students this year.
He admitted to the crime.
He was admitted to the university.
Admittance is not permitted except for authorized personnel.
I admit that it is a fact.
He admitted the reality.