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.
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.
I recognize that voice.
I recognize that name.
A more general 'I remember' or 'I recognize' based on past experience, not limited to sight or sound.
I recognize this street.
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 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.
His efforts are highly recognized.
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.
Means 'to commend' or 'to give an award'. Used for formal public recognition, like in ceremonies.
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.
The country recognized the new government.
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.
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.
I didn't recognize you with that hat.
Natural Japanese uses わかる (to know/identify) rather than a direct 'recognize' verb.
She received recognition for her volunteer work.
表彰する is used for formal awards or commendations.
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.
She is recognized as a leader.
I would like to express my recognition (gratitude) for your support.
裁判所は彼の主張を認めた。
The court recognized his claim.