ammettere
/amˈmet.te.re/
To admit in Italian is expressed by ammettere. Wiktionary also lists riconoscere.
Meaning: concede as true (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| ammettere | /amˈmet.te.re/ |
| riconoscere | /ri.koˈnoʃ.ʃe.re/ |
Ammettere is used to concede a fact or to admit a mistake. It can also be used to mean 'allow entry', such as admitting a member to a club, though this usage is more common in formal settings.
Which one should you use?
While ammettere is used for admitting a fact or a mistake, riconoscere is often used to mean acknowledging or recognizing a truth, a right or a person's authority.
How does it change in a sentence?
Ammettere is a second-conjugation verb, which means it follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ere in the present tense, such as ammetto, ammetti or ammette.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /amˈmet.te.re/. It has four syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- While 'ammettere' means to admit, the word 'mettere' within it literally means 'to put', making the verb a construction that means 'to put into' or 'to let in'.
- If you are 'admitting' a mistake in a very humble or apologetic way, Italians might use pentirsi (to repent) instead of the more neutral ammettere.
- While riconoscere means 'to admit' or 'to acknowledge', it is also the primary word for 'to recognize' someone's face in a crowd.
Examples in context
- Non lo voleva ammettere.He did not want to admit it.This sentence shows how to use ammettere in the negative.Tatoeba #7583466 by Guybrush88, translation #4861645 by Hybrid
- Devo ammettere che russo.I must admit that I snore.This sentence uses ammettere to introduce a statement.Tatoeba #631623 by Guybrush88, translation #1714 by Swift
- Io devo ammettere qualcosa.I need to admit something.This sentence demonstrates the use of ammettere with an object.Tatoeba #5742693 by Guybrush88, translation #5741274 by CM
- Il dottore ha ammesso di aver commesso un errore.The doctor admitted to having made a mistake.
- L'accusato ammette il proprio coinvolgimento nel crimine.The accused admits their involvement in the crime.
- Riconosco di aver commesso un errore.I admit to making a mistake.
- È importante riconoscere i propri limiti.It is important to admit one's limits.
- Ha finalmente riconosciuto di essere in colpa.He has finally admitted to being guilty.
- Ti devo confessare una cosa.I have to admit something to you.
- Confesso che ho sbagliato.I admit that I made a mistake.
- Confesso che sono innamorato di te.I admit that I am in love with you.
- Ammetto che ho esagerato.I admit that I exaggerated.
- Ammetto di aver avuto torto.I admit that I was wrong.
- Ok, ammetto che ho bisogno del tuo aiuto.Ok, I admit that I need your help.
- 96 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a recent disagreement.
- FrancescoDevi ammettere che sono stato troppo severo.You must admit that I was too harsh.
- ChiaraÈ vero, Francesco, lo ammetto.It is true, Francesco, I admit it.
- FrancescoMi dispiace molto per quello che ho detto.I am very sorry for what I said.
- ChiaraNon preoccuparti, tutto è risolto.Don't worry, everything is resolved.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “admit” translations and entries ammettere, riconoscere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ammettere, riconoscere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
