Own up Meaning in English
expression
ˈoʊn/ /ˈəp
OHN-UP
ˈəʊn/ /ˈʌp
OHN-UP
Definition
To admit that you have done something wrong, especially when it is difficult to do so.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used when encouraging honesty about mistakes or wrongdoing. Commonly appears in phrases like 'own up to something'. Not as formal as 'confess'.
Spanish: admitir - confesarPortuguese (BR): admitir - confessarPortuguese (PT): admitir - confessarChinese (Simplified): 承认 (错误、过失)Chinese (Traditional): 承認 (錯誤、過失)Hindi: कबूल करना - स्वीकार करना (गलती या दोष)Arabic: يَعْتَرِف (بالخطأ أو الذنب)Bengali: দোষ স্বীকার করা - নিজের ভুল স্বীকার করাRussian: признаться - сознатьсяJapanese: 正直に認める - 白状するVietnamese: thừa nhận - nhận lỗiKorean: 인정하다 - 잘못을 고백하다Turkish: itiraf etmek - suçu üstlenmekUrdu: اعتراف کرنا - غلطی مان لیناIndonesian: mengakui - mengaku salah
Example Sentences
You should own up if you broke the window.
basic
It's hard for him to own up to his mistakes.
basic
Who will own up to eating the cake?
basic
She finally owned up after everyone found out the truth.
natural
No one wanted to own up until the teacher started asking questions.
natural
You'd feel much better if you just owned up to it.
natural