To deny is to state that something is not true or did not happen.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To refuse to admit the truth of something.
- Used when someone rejects an accusation or fact.
- Commonly used in formal and legal contexts.
常见语境：最常见于面对指责时的辩护（如：他矢口否认）、在法律审判中对罪行的抗辩，或是对某些流言蜚语的澄清。当证据确凿时，使用“否认”往往带有负面色彩，暗示当事人可能在撒谎或逃避。
- 1近义词辨析：“否认”与“拒绝”不同，“拒绝”侧重于不接受对方的要求（如：拒绝邀请），而“否认”侧重于不承认某事的真实性。与“否定”相比，“否定”更侧重于逻辑上的推翻或对某种观点、事物的价值进行排斥，而“否认”更侧重于对事实的掩盖或不认账。
Examples
他否认自己偷了钱。
everydayHe denied stealing the money.
嫌疑人坚决否认所有的指控。
formalThe suspect firmly denied all accusations.
别否认了，我看见你去了。
informalDon't deny it, I saw you go.
研究人员否认了该理论的有效性。
academicResearchers denied the validity of the theory.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
不可否认
undeniable
否认责任
deny responsibility
公开否认
publicly deny
Often Confused With
否定 implies negating a concept or value, while 否认 implies denying the existence of a fact.
拒绝 means to refuse a request or invitation, not necessarily denying a fact.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is formal but frequently used in daily life. It implies a sense of defensiveness. In legal settings, it is the standard term for pleading not guilty.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with 'refuse' (拒绝). Remember that '否认' is about truth, while '拒绝' is about choice. Also, avoid using it as an adjective.
Tips
Focus on the object
Always clarify what is being denied. Use '否认' followed by the specific fact or allegation for clarity.
Avoid double negatives
Do not combine '否认' with other negative words unnecessarily. It may cause confusion in your sentence structure.
Face-saving culture
In Chinese culture, people may sometimes use indirect language to deny something to save face. Be aware of context.
Word Origin
Derived from the characters 否 (negation) and 认 (to recognize/admit). Combined, they mean to refuse to recognize.
Cultural Context
In Chinese society, 'admitting one's mistakes' is highly valued. Therefore, '否认' can sometimes be perceived as a sign of lack of integrity if the evidence is clear.
Memory Tip
Think of '否' (No) + '认' (Acknowledge). Saying 'No' to acknowledging the truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“否认”主要针对事实或责任，即“不承认”。“否定”范围更广，常用于观点、理论或价值判断，表示“认为不对”。
可以接名词，如“否认事实”；也可以接小句，如“他否认他去过那里”。
常用，但在非常随意的场合，人们有时会用“不承认”来代替，显得更口语化一些。
如果不想用太强的词，可以说“我不认为这是真的”或者“对此我持保留意见”。
Test Yourself
面对证据，他不得不承认，无法再继续___了。
此处指拒绝承认事实，故用否认。
他否认了这件事。
否认即不承认。
他 / 事实 / 否认 / 这一 / 。
标准的主谓宾结构。
Score: /3
Summary
To deny is to state that something is not true or did not happen.
- To refuse to admit the truth of something.
- Used when someone rejects an accusation or fact.
- Commonly used in formal and legal contexts.
Focus on the object
Always clarify what is being denied. Use '否认' followed by the specific fact or allegation for clarity.
Avoid double negatives
Do not combine '否认' with other negative words unnecessarily. It may cause confusion in your sentence structure.
Face-saving culture
In Chinese culture, people may sometimes use indirect language to deny something to save face. Be aware of context.
Examples
4 of 4他否认自己偷了钱。
He denied stealing the money.
嫌疑人坚决否认所有的指控。
The suspect firmly denied all accusations.
别否认了，我看见你去了。
Don't deny it, I saw you go.
研究人员否认了该理论的有效性。
Researchers denied the validity of the theory.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
