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认错 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
认错rèncuòto admit an errorHSK 6, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #9110, Hard
认错rèncuòto acknowledge one's mistakeHSK 6, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #9110, Hard
rèncuò(ren4cuo4)ren cuo T4
  1. 1to admit an error
  2. 2to acknowledge one's mistake
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March 24, 2026

认错(認錯)rèncuò(ren4cuo4)

认错 (rèn cuò) means to admit or acknowledge a mistake. It is commonly used in contexts where someone accepts responsibility for an error, whether in personal relationships or professional settings. This phrase emphasizes the importance of accountability and humility in Chinese culture.

Strokes17Frequency#9110DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, admitting one's mistakes is seen as a virtue, reflecting humility and a willingness to learn from errors. This contrasts with more individualistic cultures where self-assertion might overshadow acknowledgment of faults.

Memory tip

Think of 认 (rèn) as ‘recognize’ and 错 (cuò) as ‘wrong’ – together, they sound like 'recognize the wrong'. Imagine a person looking in a mirror and admitting to their reflection, 'I see my mistake!' This visual can help you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.

Meanings of 认错

rèncuò(ren4cuo4)
1to admit an error
2to acknowledge one's mistake
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About 认错

认错Simplified
認錯Traditional
17Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 认错

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AI study notes for 认错

Quick Contrast

错认 (cuò rèn) - choose 认错 when emphasizing the act of admitting a mistake, rather than the act of misidentifying something or someone.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely. Common collocations include 认错的人 (the person who admits a mistake) or 认错的事情 (the mistake acknowledged). This phrase is generally used in both formal and informal contexts.

HSK Study Tips

Although 认错 is not specifically listed in the HSK vocabulary, it can be connected to other words about mistakes and accountability. Students should focus on the individual characters and their meanings, as well as practice using them in sentences.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 认错 with 认真的 (rèn zhēn, meaning 'serious') due to the similar pronunciation. Remember that 认错 focuses on admitting mistakes, while 认真 relates to being earnest or diligent.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 认错

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Component characters

认rènto recognize
HSK 54 strokes讠
View full entry
错cuòmistake
HSK 213 strokes钅
View full entry

How to say to admit an error in Chinese

“to admit an error” in Chinese is认错rèncuò

认错 (rèn cuò) means to admit or acknowledge a mistake. It is commonly used in contexts where someone accepts responsibility for an error, whether in personal relationships or professional settings. This phrase emphasizes the importance of accountability and humility in Chinese culture.

When to use 认错

Be cautious with the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely. Common collocations include 认错的人 (the person who admits a mistake) or 认错的事情 (the mistake acknowledged). This phrase is generally used in both formal and informal contexts.

认错 or something close to it

错认 (cuò rèn) - choose 认错 when emphasizing the act of admitting a mistake, rather than the act of misidentifying something or someone.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 认错 with 认真的 (rèn zhēn, meaning 'serious') due to the similar pronunciation. Remember that 认错 focuses on admitting mistakes, while 认真 relates to being earnest or diligent.

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认
错

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Frequently asked questions about 认错

You can say, '我认错了' (Wǒ rèn cuò le), meaning 'I admit my mistake.'

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