In 15 Seconds
- A soft way to say 'I will check that.'
- Combines 'confirmation' with 'trying' to sound helpful.
- Perfect for delaying a final answer politely.
Meaning
It means you're going to check or verify something to see what the deal is. It's like saying 'I'll take a look' or 'I'll double-check' before giving a final answer.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking the fridge for ingredients
卵があるか確認してみる。
I'll try checking if there are any eggs.
A colleague asks about a document
その資料、もう一度確認してみます。
I will try checking that document one more time.
Texting a friend about plans
明日の時間、確認してみるね！
I'll check the time for tomorrow, okay!
Cultural Background
In Japan, saying 'I don't know' directly is often avoided. '{確認|かくにん}してみます' is the standard 'safe' response that shows you are helpful without committing to potentially wrong information. Younger Japanese people often use 'チェックしてみる' or just 'みてみる' in texts. It's less heavy than 'Kakunin' and fits the fast pace of social media. Staff in high-end Ryokans or restaurants will use the even more humble '{左様|さよう}でございますか、{確認|かくにん}してまいります' to show extreme respect. Japanese artisans often use 'Kakunin' repeatedly during their process. It's not just a phrase; it's a mindset of constant verification.
The 'Buy Time' Strategy
Use this phrase when you're put on the spot. It's much more professional than 'I don't know.'
Don't over-use with superiors
If you say it too much, it might look like you never know anything. Balance it with direct answers.
In 15 Seconds
- A soft way to say 'I will check that.'
- Combines 'confirmation' with 'trying' to sound helpful.
- Perfect for delaying a final answer politely.
What It Means
確認してみる is your go-to phrase for 'let me check.' It combines kakunin (confirmation) with the grammar ~te miru (to try doing). It implies you aren't 100% sure yet. You need to look at a calendar or a fridge first. It sounds proactive but keeps things low-pressure. It’s the verbal equivalent of squinting at a receipt.
How To Use It
To use it, just say the phrase as is for friends. For work, change miru to mimasu. It acts as a perfect 'cushion' in conversation. You aren't saying 'yes' or 'no' yet. You are saying 'I am in the process of finding out.' It’s very flexible. You can use it for physical objects or abstract ideas.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend asks if you're free Friday. Use it at a restaurant to check for a reservation. Use it when you think you left the stove on. It’s great for texting when you need a moment. It shows you are taking the request seriously. It’s a very helpful 'bridge' phrase in any dialogue.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you already know the answer. That can sound a bit sarcastic or dismissive. If you're staring at an empty milk carton, don't say it. Also, avoid it in high-stakes emergencies where 'trying' isn't enough. In those cases, just use kakunin shimasu (I will confirm). It sounds more decisive and professional.
Cultural Background
Japanese culture places high value on accuracy and avoiding mistakes. This is called kakunin culture. People often double or triple-check things to avoid meiwaku (trouble). Using ~te miru makes the action sound softer and less blunt. It suggests a humble 'I'll see what I can find.' It’s a social safety net for everyone involved.
Common Variations
確認してみます (Kakunin shite mimasu) is the polite version for daily life. 確認してみるね (Kakunin shite miru ne) is the sweet, casual version for friends. If you want to sound very formal, use 確認させていただきます. That one is strictly for business emails or bosses. For a quick 'Let's check,' use 確認してみよう (Kakunin shite miyou).
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile. Use the dictionary form `miru` for friends and the `mimasu` form for anyone you don't know well or at work. It's a safe, polite way to handle uncertainty.
The 'Buy Time' Strategy
Use this phrase when you're put on the spot. It's much more professional than 'I don't know.'
Don't over-use with superiors
If you say it too much, it might look like you never know anything. Balance it with direct answers.
The 'Miru' Hiragana Rule
Always write 'miru' in hiragana when it means 'try to.' Using kanji makes you look like a beginner.
Pair with 'Chotto'
Saying 'Chotto kakunin shite miru' (I'll check for a bit) makes it sound even softer and more natural.
Examples
6卵があるか確認してみる。
I'll try checking if there are any eggs.
Casual use at home while cooking.
その資料、もう一度確認してみます。
I will try checking that document one more time.
Polite and professional for a workplace setting.
明日の時間、確認してみるね！
I'll check the time for tomorrow, okay!
Adding 'ne' makes it friendly and conversational.
お店がまだ開いているか確認してみる。
I'll try checking if the shop is still open.
Used when there is uncertainty about a fact.
猫が本当に寝ているか確認してみるよ。
I'm gonna try checking if the cat is really asleep.
A lighthearted use of the phrase for a silly action.
彼が大丈夫か、ちょっと確認してみる。
I'll try checking if he's okay for a bit.
Shows concern and a gentle approach to a situation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to say 'I'll check the time.'
{時間|じかん}を____。
The phrase '{確認|かくにん}してみる' is the most natural way to say you'll take a look.
Which is the most polite way to say 'I'll check' to your boss?
Choose the best option:
Adding '-masu' makes the phrase polite and suitable for work.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {明日|あした}の{天気|てんき}は？ B: ____。
B is saying they will check the weather now.
Match the phrase to the situation: 'Checking if the door is locked.'
Which phrase fits best?
You check (kakunin) a lock, you don't eat or buy it in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Direct vs. Soft
Practice Bank
4 exercises{時間|じかん}を____。
The phrase '{確認|かくにん}してみる' is the most natural way to say you'll take a look.
Choose the best option:
Adding '-masu' makes the phrase polite and suitable for work.
A: {明日|あした}の{天気|てんき}は？ B: ____。
B is saying they will check the weather now.
Which phrase fits best?
You check (kakunin) a lock, you don't eat or buy it in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but use the polite form '{確認|かくにん}してみます' or the very formal '{確認|かくにん}いたします'.
'Kakunin suru' is a direct statement of fact ('I will confirm'). 'Kakunin shite miru' is softer and implies 'I'll try checking and see.'
Yes, it's very common and casual, especially among friends or in tech jobs.
In Japanese grammar, when a verb is used as an auxiliary (helper) verb, it is standard to write it in hiragana.
No, that sounds like you are inspecting them. Use '{会|あ}ってみる' (try meeting) or '{話|はな}してみる' (try talking) instead.
Use the past tense: '{確認|かくにん}してみました' or '{確認|かくにん}した'.
All the time! Characters use it when investigating mysteries or checking their power levels.
No, that's a different 'check.' You would use '{見|み}とれる' or just '{見|み}る'.
The most formal is '{左様|さよう}でございますか、{確認|かくにん}させていただきます' (Understood, I will allow myself to confirm).
Not exactly. It specifically means you will look for information or verify a state.
Yes, to check if it's cooked or to check the taste: '{味|あじ}を{確認|かくにん}してみる'.
Absolutely! It's one of the most useful 'survival' phrases in Japan.
Related Phrases
{確|たし}かめてみる
similarTo verify/make sure
{調|しら}べてみる
builds onTo look into/investigate
{見|み}てみる
similarTo take a look
{点検|てんけん}する
specialized formTo inspect (machinery/safety)
{再確認|さいかくにん}する
specialized formTo re-confirm
