vérifier
/ve.ʁi.fje/
To check (to verify or compare with a source of information) in French is vérifier.
The verb vérifier is used when you need to verify information or compare something against a source to ensure accuracy.
Meaning: to verify or compare with a source of information (verb)
Which one should you use?
In English, the word 'check' can mean both verifying information and marking a checkbox. In French, use vérifier for the act of verification, but use cocher if you are specifically marking a checkbox.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
vérifier is a regular -er verb, which means it follows the standard conjugation patterns for the first group of French verbs. Its past participle is vérifié, which means 'checked'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ve.ʁi.fje/ and has 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the anglicism checker in informal French. Instead, use the standard and correct term vérifier.
Did you know?
- If you are at a restaurant and want to ask for the 'check' (the bill), do not use vérifier, but instead ask for l'addition.
- In French, the act of checking a box is expressed by the verb cocher, which comes from the word for a 'notch' or 'cut'. This reflects an old habit of marking paper by cutting a small notch into the margin.
- While vérifier is used for data, the French use contrôler to describe checking a ticket or a security ID. In some contexts, contrôler can imply an exercise of power or authority rather than a simple verification.
Examples in context
- Je veux le vérifier.I want to check it out.This sentence shows how to use vérifier to mean checking something out.Tatoeba #2219241 by sacredceltic, translation #2210695 by Hybrid
- Il nous faut vérifier.We must check.This sentence uses vérifier to express necessity.Tatoeba #4777519 by sacredceltic, translation #2241166 by CK
- Nous allons juste vérifier.We'll just check.This sentence uses vérifier to describe a simple upcoming action.Tatoeba #4070076 by Amastan, translation #11279284 by Lebensfreude
- Veuillez trouver ci-jointe la facture.Please find attached the invoice.
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît.The check, please.
- 123 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are at the train station.
- NathanManon, tu peux vérifier le numéro du quai ?Manon, can you check the platform number?
- ManonAttends, je vais vérifier sur l'écran.Wait, I am going to check on the screen.
- NathanEst-ce qu'il y a un retard ?Is there a delay?
- ManonNon, tout est en ordre pour nous.No, everything is in order for us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “check” translations and entries vérifier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
