Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| admitir | /admiˈtiɾ/ |
| reconocer | /rekonoˈθeɾ/ /rekonoˈseɾ/ |
The verb admitir is used to mean conceding a fact or a mistake, but it can also refer to the physical act of allowing someone or something to enter a place. The verb reconocer is often more natural when the sense is 'to acknowledge' or 'to recognize' a truth or a person's merit.
Which one should you use?
While admitir is used for conceding a fact or a mistake, reconocer is often more natural when the sense is 'to acknowledge' or 'to recognize' a truth or a person's merit.
How does it change in a sentence?
When admitir is followed by a clause, such as 'I admit that…', the subordinate clause must be in the indicative mood if you are stating a fact you believe to be true. You should use the subjunctive mood if you are expressing doubt or uncertainty.
How do you pronounce it?
/admiˈtiɾ/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, admitir can mean 'to tolerate' or 'to put up with', such as no admito tales bromas meaning 'I do not admit/tolerate such jokes'.
- The verb reconocer can also be used in a legal context to 'admit' or 'acknowledge' paternity, as in reconocer a un hijo.
- While admitir is used for entry, a sign saying 'Admission' at a museum or theater will typically use the noun entrada instead.
Examples in context
- Debo admitir que ronco.I must admit that I snore.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of admitir regarding a personal habit.Tatoeba #1584675 by termito2nd, translation #1714 by Swift
- ¿No admitiría eso casi nadie?Wouldn't almost anyone admit that?This sentence demonstrates a question using admitir.Tatoeba #10092960 by manufrutos, translation #10092439 by ddnktr
- Admitiré que estoy equivocado.I'll admit I'm wrong.This sentence shows the future tense of admitir regarding a mistake.Tatoeba #1359860 by marcelostockle, translation #321323 by CK
- El presidente reconoció los errores de su gobierno.The president admitted/acknowledged the mistakes of his government.
- El juez concedió la solicitud de apelación.The judge admitted/granted the appeal request.
- A veces es difícil reconocer nuestros propios errores.Sometimes it's hard to admit/acknowledge our own mistakes.
- Tuve que admitir que estaba equivocado.I had to admit that I was wrong.
- Finalmente, confesó haber cometido el error.Finally, he admitted/confessed to making the mistake.
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing a mistake at work.
- LucíaTengo que admitir que cometí un error.I have to admit that I made a mistake.
- AlejandroNo pasa nada, Lucía, todos nos equivocamos.It's okay, Lucía, we all make mistakes.
- Lucía¿Me ayudarías a corregirlo ahora?Would you help me fix it now?
- AlejandroClaro, Alejandro te ayudará con eso.Of course, Alejandro will help you with that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “admit” translations and entries admitir, reconocer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
