verb HSK 4
Traditional 認輸
to admit defeat · to concede · to give up
Meaning
认输 means to acknowledge that you have lost or cannot win in a competition, argument, or difficult situation. It combines 认 (to acknowledge/admit) and 输 (to lose), literally meaning 'to admit losing.' This word carries a sense of accepting reality and stopping resistance.
Usage
Used in competitive contexts like games, sports, debates, or personal challenges. It can describe both literal defeat (in a match) and metaphorical giving up (in life struggles). Often used with 不 (bù) to express determination: 我不认输 means 'I won't give up.' The tone can range from gracious acceptance to reluctant surrender.
Examples
- 01他从来不轻易认输，总是坚持到最后。, .He never admits defeat easily and always persists until the end.
- 02虽然比分落后，但我们不会认输。, .Although we're behind in the score, we won't give up.
Characters
Common collocations
- 不认输to refuse to admit defeat
- 甘心认输to willingly concede defeat
- 向...认输...to admit defeat to someone
Antonyms
Origin
Formed from two common characters: 认 (to acknowledge) and 输 (to lose). The combination directly expresses the act of acknowledging one's loss or defeat.