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March 24, 2026
否认(否認)fǒurèn(fou3ren4)
The verb 否认 (fǒurèn) means to declare something as untrue or to deny the truth of a statement or accusation. It is commonly used in legal contexts, personal disputes, and discussions where someone refutes claims or allegations against them.
Strokes11Frequency#2826DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of denial can have significant social implications, especially in maintaining face (面子, miànzi) and reputation. Public figures often use 否认 to protect their image in the media.
Memory Tip
Think of 否 (fǒu) as a 'no' sign, and 认 (rèn) as 'recognition'. Together, they create a vivid image: when someone denies something, they are refusing to recognize it as true, like a big 'STOP' sign against a claim.
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AI Study Notes for 否认
Quick Contrast
否认 (deny) vs 反驳 (refute) — use 否认 when simply rejecting a claim, while 反驳 involves providing counterarguments.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 否认 must be pronounced with the third tone (fǒu) followed by the fourth tone (rèn) to convey the correct meaning. Common collocations include 否认事实 (deny the facts) and 否认指控 (deny the accusations).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 否认 connects well with other verbs related to communication and argumentation. Students should focus on its application in sentences to understand its nuances in denying statements or allegations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 否认 with 否定 (fǒudìng), which means to negate or refute, but is not always a direct denial of truth. For example, saying '他否定了事实' (Tā fǒudìngle shìshí) is incorrect if you mean he denied the facts; it should be 否认 instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 否认
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The verb 否认 (fǒurèn) means to declare something as untrue or to deny the truth of a statement or accusation. It is commonly used in legal contexts, personal disputes, and discussions where someone refutes claims or allegations against them.
When to use 否认
Be cautious with the tone; 否认 must be pronounced with the third tone (fǒu) followed by the fourth tone (rèn) to convey the correct meaning. Common collocations include 否认事实 (deny the facts) and 否认指控 (deny the accusations).
否认 or something close to it
否认 (deny) vs 反驳 (refute) — use 否认 when simply rejecting a claim, while 反驳 involves providing counterarguments.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 否认 with 否定 (fǒudìng), which means to negate or refute, but is not always a direct denial of truth. For example, saying '他否定了事实' (Tā fǒudìngle shìshí) is incorrect if you mean he denied the facts; it should be 否认 instead.
Write 否认
否
认
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Grammar Patterns of 否认
否认 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他____当晚守望不力。
He denied that he'd failed to keep a proper lookout that night.
Example Sentences for 否认 (10)
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1
他否认当晚守望不力。
tā fǒu rèn dāng wǎn shǒu wàng bù lì。
He denied that he'd failed to keep a proper lookout that night.
