Translation guide
The English word 'recognition' covers several distinct meanings: identifying something or someone you've encountered before, acknowledging or appreciating someone's efforts or achievements, and formal acceptance or approval. Japanese expresses these with different words and patterns.
To express that you recognize a person, place, object, or fact because you have seen, heard, or experienced it before.
Literally 'there is a memory of seeing'. Used when you recognize something visually, like a face or a place.
あの人に見覚えがある。
I recognize that person.
Do you recognize this building?
Literally 'there is a memory of hearing'. Used when you recognize a sound, voice, or name.
その声に聞き覚えがある。
I recognize that voice.
その名前、聞き覚えがあるよ。
I recognize that name.
A more general 'I remember' or 'I recognize' based on past experience, not limited to sight or sound.
この道、覚えがある。
I recognize this street.
彼の言ったことに覚えがある。
I recognize what he said (I remember him saying that).
A very common verb meaning 'to understand' or 'to know'. In context, it can mean 'I recognize' when you identify something.
A formal, technical term for 'recognize' as in cognitive identification. Often used in academic or technical contexts.
AIが顔を認識する。
AI recognizes faces.
To express that someone's work, contribution, or achievement is publicly or privately acknowledged and valued.
Means 'to evaluate' or 'to appreciate'. Commonly used when recognizing someone's efforts or value.
彼の努力は高く評価されている。
His efforts are highly recognized.
会社は彼女の貢献を評価した。
The company recognized her contribution.
Means 'to acknowledge', 'to admit', or 'to recognize'. Used for accepting someone's value, status, or achievement.
A formal phrase meaning 'to express gratitude'. Used in speeches or formal writing to recognize someone's help or support.
皆様のご支援に感謝の意を表します。
I would like to express my recognition (gratitude) for your support.
Means 'to commend' or 'to give an award'. Used for formal public recognition, like in ceremonies.
彼は勇敢な行動で表彰された。
He was recognized (awarded) for his brave actions.
To express that something is officially accepted, approved, or acknowledged as valid, such as a government, qualification, or fact.
Means 'to approve' or 'to recognize officially'. Used for formal recognition by an authority.
その国は新しい政府を承認した。
The country recognized the new government.
この資格は国際的に承認されている。
This qualification is internationally recognized.
Also used for formal acknowledgment, similar to '承認する' but slightly less bureaucratic.
Means 'to acknowledge' or 'to recognize' in a legal or formal sense, such as recognizing a child or a fact.
彼はその子を自分の子と認知した。
He recognized the child as his own.
認める (mitomeru) is the most versatile for 'recognize' in the sense of acknowledging value, facts, or status. 認識する (ninshiki suru) is for cognitive recognition (identifying objects, patterns). 承認する (shōnin suru) is for formal/official approval.
English 'recognize' is often used where Japanese would use more specific verbs. For example, 'I didn't recognize you' is usually わからなかった (didn't know/identify) rather than a literal translation with 認識する. Use the options above based on the intended meaning.
その帽子をかぶっているから、わからなかったよ。
I didn't recognize you with that hat.
Natural Japanese uses わかる (to know/identify) rather than a direct 'recognize' verb.
彼女はボランティア活動で表彰された。
She received recognition for her volunteer work.
表彰する is used for formal awards or commendations.
会社はついに労働組合を承認した。
The company finally recognized the union.
承認する is the standard term for official recognition of an organization.
彼の才能がようやく認められた。
His talent was finally recognized.
彼女はリーダーとして認められている。
She is recognized as a leader.
裁判所は彼の主張を認めた。
The court recognized his claim.