確かめる
tashikameru
The Japanese phrase for 'make sure' is 確かめる (tashikameru).
The verb 確かめる is used when the goal is to check a fact, a piece of information or a physical state to ensure it is correct.
Which one should you use?
While 確かめる is common, the more formal or business-oriented way to say 'to make sure' or 'to confirm' is 確認する.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding ください to the te-form creates a standard polite request to 'please make sure' or 'please verify', resulting in 確かめてください.
How do you pronounce it?
tashikameru
Did you know?
- Japanese railway staff use a safety method called shisa kanko or 'pointing and calling'. They physically point at signals and shout 確認 to make sure they have seen the information correctly.
- In Japanese, the word 確か (tashika) can be used as an adverb to mean 'probably' or 'if I recall correctly'. This is the exact opposite of its meaning in the verb 確かめる, which implies absolute certainty.
- In a Japanese workplace, instead of just saying they will 'make sure' of something, employees often say they will 確認を取る, which literally means 'to take/obtain confirmation'.
Examples in context
- 間違いがないか確かめる。machigai ga nai ka tashikameru.Verify that there are no mistakes.
Example conversation
Yui and Hinata are checking their hotel reservation.
- 結衣 Yui予約の日付を確かめるね。yoyaku no hizuke o tashikameru ne.I'll make sure of the reservation date.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう。お願いします。arigatou. onegaishimasu.Thanks. Please do.
- 結衣 Yui大丈夫、間違っていないよ。daijoubu, machigatte inai yo.It's okay, it is correct.
- 陽太 Yotaよかった、安心したよ。yokatta, anshin shita yo.That's good, I'm relieved.
