1To notice or recognize something or someone; to become aware of a fact, person, or thing.
遠くからでも彼の姿を認めた。
I recognized his figure even from a distance.
医師は画像に小さな異常を認めた。
The doctor noticed a small abnormality in the scan.
通りで聞き慣れた声を認めて振り向いた。
I recognized a familiar voice on the street and turned around.
2To deem, judge, or assess something after consideration; to regard it as being a certain way.
この行為は犯罪だと認められる可能性が高い。
There is a high chance this act will be judged a crime.
審査員は彼の作品を優秀だと認めた。
The judges deemed his work excellent.
法律上、未成年と認められる年齢が定められている。
The age at which one is legally regarded as a minor is set by law.
3To approve or allow something; to accept a request or grant permission.
会社は彼の出張を認めた。
The company approved his business trip.
学校は特別な理由がある場合のみ欠席を認める。
The school only allows absences when there's a special reason.
この提案は上層部に認めてもらえなかった。
This proposal wasn't approved by upper management.
4To admit or confess to a fault or wrongdoing; to acknowledge one's own actions or responsibility.
容疑者はついに犯行を認めた。
The suspect finally confessed to the crime.
彼はミスを認め、チームに謝罪した。
He admitted his mistake and apologized to the team.
親は子どもに誤りを認めさせる必要があることもある。
Sometimes parents need to get their children to admit their mistakes.
5To watch steadily or observe carefully; a somewhat old-fashioned, literary use.
警官はしばらく容疑者を認めていた。
The officer watched the suspect steadily for a while.
彼女は子どもの様子を黙って認めていた。
She quietly observed her child's behavior.
6To acknowledge and value someone's achievements or talent; or, in the passive 認められる, to be recognized and gain standing or trust.
彼女の研究は国内外で高く認められている。
Her research is highly recognized both at home and abroad.
上司が彼の努力を認めて昇進させた。
His boss recognized his efforts and promoted him.
長年の貢献が認められて表彰された。
His long years of contribution were recognized and he was honored.