In 15 Seconds
- Used to say 'I'll look into it' or 'Let me check.'
- Combines 'investigate' (shiraberu) with 'try/see' (miru).
- Perfect for work, travel, or casual planning.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you don't have an answer right away and want to say 'I'll look into it' or 'Let me check that.' It combines the idea of searching for information with the nuance of giving it a try.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking a menu for a friend
Arerugii ga nai ka shirabete miru ne.
I'll check if there are any allergens in it.
A professional email response
Sono ken ni tsuite, sugu ni shirabete mimasu.
I will look into that matter immediately.
Texting a friend about a meeting spot
Ii kafe ga aru ka shirabete miru!
I'll check if there are any good cafes!
Cultural Background
Using this phrase is a key part of 'Kūki wo yomu' (reading the air). It shows you are willing to help even if you don't have the answer. In Japanese companies, 'Shirabete mimasu' is often the first step of the 'Hou-Ren-So' process, showing you are taking action. Younger Japanese people often use 'Guguru' (to Google) instead of 'Shiraberu' in casual settings. Staff in Japan will almost never say 'I don't know.' They will always say they will check, even if they are fairly sure they can't help.
Add 'Chotto'
Adding 'chotto' (a little) before the phrase makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't over-promise
If you say '{調|しら}べてみます', people will expect an answer. If you can't find it, follow up later.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to say 'I'll look into it' or 'Let me check.'
- Combines 'investigate' (shiraberu) with 'try/see' (miru).
- Perfect for work, travel, or casual planning.
What It Means
Ever been asked a question you can’t answer?
shirabete miru is your best friend then.
It means 'I’ll try investigating' or 'I’ll check it out.'
It’s not just about deep research.
It’s about taking a quick look.
Maybe you’re Googling a recipe.
Maybe you’re checking a train schedule.
It sounds helpful and active.
It shows you’re willing to help.
But it doesn't promise a perfect result.
It’s the ultimate 'let me see' phrase.
How To Use It
The grammar is super simple.
Take the verb shiraberu (to investigate).
Change it to the te-form: shirabete.
Add miru (to see/try).
Boom. You’ve got shirabete miru.
In a polite setting, use shirabete mimasu.
With friends, just keep it as shirabete miru.
If you already did it, say shirabete mita.
It’s like adding 'and see' to the action.
It makes you sound more flexible.
When To Use It
Use it when you’re unsure.
Use it at a restaurant.
'Is this dish spicy?'
'I’ll check (shirabete mimasu) with the chef.'
Use it when planning with friends.
'What time does the movie start?'
'I’ll look it up (shirabete miru) now.'
It’s perfect for office emails too.
It shows you are on the case.
Even texting, it’s a quick way to reply.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things you know.
If you know the time, just say it.
Don't use it for physical searches.
If you lost your keys, use sagasu.
shiraberu is for information, not objects.
Also, don't use it for 'trying' food.
That’s tabete miru.
Keep it strictly for info-gathering.
Cultural Background
Japanese people love being accurate.
Guessing can feel a bit irresponsible.
Saying shirabete miru is polite.
It bridges the gap between 'I don't know' and 'Here is the answer.'
It’s a very common 'buffer' phrase.
It shows you value the truth.
It also implies you care about the person asking.
Common Variations
chotto shirabete miru (I'll check for a bit).
ato de shirabete miru (I'll check later).
shirabete mimashou ka? (Shall I check for you?).
shirabete mita kedo... (I checked, but...).
The chotto adds a nice casual touch.
It makes the 'investigation' feel light.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile. Use the dictionary form `shirabete miru` with friends and the `masu` form `shirabete mimasu` in all other situations to stay safe.
Add 'Chotto'
Adding 'chotto' (a little) before the phrase makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't over-promise
If you say '{調|しら}べてみます', people will expect an answer. If you can't find it, follow up later.
Examples
6Arerugii ga nai ka shirabete miru ne.
I'll check if there are any allergens in it.
The 'ne' at the end makes it sound friendly and reassuring.
Sono ken ni tsuite, sugu ni shirabete mimasu.
I will look into that matter immediately.
Using 'mimasu' makes it polite and professional for work.
Ii kafe ga aru ka shirabete miru!
I'll check if there are any good cafes!
Casual and proactive for making plans.
Sono omoshiroi douga, shirabete miru wa.
I'll go look up that funny video.
The 'wa' adds a light, casual ending often used by speakers.
Daijoubu? Kusuri ni tsuite shirabete miru yo.
Are you okay? I'll look up some information about the medicine.
Shows care and concern through action.
Zaiko ga aru ka shirabete mimasu ne.
I'll check if we have it in stock.
Standard helpful phrase used by staff.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to say 'I'll try checking' to a friend.
明日、{天気|てんき}を＿＿＿＿。
The te-form '{調|しら}べて' is required before 'みる'.
Complete the polite response.
A: この{漢字|かんじ}、わかりますか？ B: すみません、わかりません。＿＿＿＿。
Since A used polite form (masu/desu), B should respond politely with 'mimasu'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at work and a client asks for a price you don't know.
This is the most professional and polite way to handle the situation.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises明日、{天気|てんき}を＿＿＿＿。
The te-form '{調|しら}べて' is required before 'みる'.
A: この{漢字|かんじ}、わかりますか？ B: すみません、わかりません。＿＿＿＿。
Since A used polite form (masu/desu), B should respond politely with 'mimasu'.
You are at work and a client asks for a price you don't know.
This is the most professional and polite way to handle the situation.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is the most common way to say you'll look something up online.
Yes, but use the polite form: '{調|しら}べてみます'.
'Shiraberu' is just the act. 'Shirabete miru' is the intent to try and see the result. It's much more natural in conversation.
Related Phrases
{確認|かくにん}してみる
similarTo try to confirm.
{聞|き}いてみる
similarTo try asking.
{探|さが}してみる
similarTo try looking for.
{検討|けんとう}してみる
specialized formTo try considering/examining.
