Inklingo

How to Say "admits" in Spanish

English → Spanish

admite

/ad-MEE-teh//aðˈmite/

verbA2general
Use 'admite' when someone is simply telling the truth or acknowledging a fact, often something they did or something that is true.
A child with a guilty expression showing a broken cookie jar to an adult.

Examples

Él admite que cometió un error.

He admits that he made a mistake.

Ella no admite ninguna culpa.

She doesn't admit any guilt.

Who are we talking about?

The form 'admite' is used when talking about 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or when addressing 'you' formally (usted).

Giving a Command

You can also use 'admite' as a friendly command to tell someone 'Admit it!' (tú form).

Admitir vs. Aceptar

Mistake: “Using 'aceptar' for confessing a secret.”

Correction: Use 'admite' when you are acknowledging a truth; use 'acepta' when you are receiving a gift or an invitation.

reconoce

reh-koh-NOH-seh/re.koˈno.se/

verbB1formal
Use 'reconoce' when someone confesses to something, concedes a point, or formally acknowledges an error, often in a more official or public context.
A character standing next to a tipped-over plant, raising their hands slightly in a gesture of admission or acknowledgment towards another calm character.

Examples

La compañía reconoce su error en el informe final.

The company acknowledges its mistake in the final report.

El gobierno reconoce la soberanía de esa nación.

The government grants/acknowledges the sovereignty of that nation.

Nunca reconoce cuando pierde, es muy testarudo.

He never admits when he loses, he is very stubborn.

Meaning Shift with Context

When 'reconoce' is followed by an abstract idea (like 'culpa' or 'derecho'), the meaning shifts from simple identification to formal acceptance or admission.

Confusing 'Recognize' and 'Realize'

Mistake: “Using 'reconoce' when you mean 'se da cuenta de' (realizes).”

Correction: 'Reconoce' is about memory or acceptance. If you mean 'realizes a fact,' use 'se da cuenta': 'Él se da cuenta del problema' (He realizes the problem).

Choosing Between 'Admite' and 'Reconoce'

Learners often confuse 'admite' and 'reconoce' because both mean to acknowledge something. Remember that 'admite' is more about simply stating a fact or truth, while 'reconoce' implies a more formal confession or concession, especially when referring to errors or mistakes.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.