Translation guide
The English word "check" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: verifying something, a restaurant bill, a pattern of squares, a mark (✓), stopping or restraining, and a few other uses.
To examine something to make sure it is correct, safe, or acceptable.
The most common and general verb for checking or confirming information, facts, or status.
Please check the reservation.
I checked my email.
To look into, investigate, or check something by researching or examining it. Often used when you need to find out information.
A loanword from English, used in casual or business contexts. Often implies a quick check or inspection.
Can you check this document?
To inspect or check equipment, machinery, or facilities for safety or maintenance.
Please check the engine.
The piece of paper showing how much you need to pay at a restaurant or bar.
A pattern of alternating colored squares, like on a chessboard or fabric.
The loanword used for check patterns in fashion and design.
A written mark (✓) used to indicate correctness, completion, or selection.
To stop or slow down the progress of something, or to hold back an emotion or action.
In chess, to move so that the opponent's king is under threat of capture.
The standard phrase for 'to check' in chess.
To select an option by clicking a checkbox in a digital interface.
Literally 'put a check', used for ticking a checkbox.
To leave something temporarily in a designated place for safekeeping, like a coat or bag.
I'll check the schedule.
その単語の意味を調べてください。
Please check the meaning of that word.
I checked his background.
メールをチェックするのを忘れた。
I forgot to check my email.
Polite term for the bill at a restaurant. Used when asking for the check.
Check, please.
A slightly more casual or traditional word for the bill. Often used in phrases like お勘定.
Could I have the check, please?
Refers to the physical slip or chit. More common in business settings or when signing for expenses.
Please sign the check.
She is wearing a check skirt.
A more descriptive Japanese term for a lattice or grid pattern, including checks.
The fabric has a check pattern.
The loanword for a check mark. Commonly used in forms and lists.
Please put a check mark next to the correct answer.
A specific Japanese check mark (レ) used in vertical writing or traditional contexts.
Put a check on the document.
To suppress, control, or hold back (emotions, growth, spending, etc.).
It's hard to check my emotions.
Policies to check inflation.
To prevent or stop something from happening, often used for actions or plans.
They checked the enemy's attack.
To hold back or stem the tide of something negative, like a disease or decline.
To check the spread of infection.
He checked with his queen.
Please check 'I agree'.
More technical phrasing, 'turn on the checkbox'.
Please check the box for that option.
To leave something in someone's care, such as luggage at a hotel or coat at a cloakroom.
Can I check my luggage at the front desk?
I checked my coat at the cloakroom.
Check the time (find out when something starts).
Although チェック is used in many contexts, it is not natural for asking for the bill at a restaurant. Use お会計 or お勘定 instead.
Did you check his ID?
The check is $20.