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.
予約を確認してください。
Please check the reservation.
メールを確認しました。
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.
この書類をチェックしてくれる？
Can you check this document?
To inspect or check equipment, machinery, or facilities for safety or maintenance.
エンジンを点検してください。
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.
彼はクイーンで王手をかけた。
He checked with his queen.
To select an option by clicking a checkbox in a digital interface.
Literally 'put a check', used for ticking a checkbox.
同意するにチェックを入れてください。
Please check 'I agree'.
To leave something temporarily in a designated place for safekeeping, like a coat or bag.
確認する is for confirming something you already have information about (e.g., a reservation, an email). 調べる is for looking up or investigating something you don't know yet (e.g., a word's meaning, someone's background).
その単語の意味を調べてください。
Please check the meaning of that word.
彼の経歴を調べた。
I checked his background.
I forgot to check my email.
Polite term for the bill at a restaurant. Used when asking for the check.
お会計をお願いします。
Check, please.
A slightly more casual or traditional word for the bill. Often used in phrases like お勘定.
お勘定、お願いします。
Could I have the check, please?
Refers to the physical slip or chit. More common in business settings or when signing for expenses.
伝票にサインしてください。
Please sign the check.
She is wearing a check skirt.
A more descriptive Japanese term for a lattice or grid pattern, including checks.
その布地は格子模様だ。
The fabric has a check pattern.
The loanword for a check mark. Commonly used in forms and lists.
正しい答えにチェックマークを付けてください。
Please put a check mark next to the correct answer.
A specific Japanese check mark (レ) used in vertical writing or traditional contexts.
書類にレ点を入れる。
Put a check on the document.
To suppress, control, or hold back (emotions, growth, spending, etc.).
感情を抑えるのが難しい。
It's hard to check my emotions.
インフレを抑える政策。
Policies to check inflation.
To prevent or stop something from happening, often used for actions or plans.
敵の攻撃を阻止した。
They checked the enemy's attack.
To hold back or stem the tide of something negative, like a disease or decline.
感染の拡大を食い止める。
To check the spread of infection.
More technical phrasing, 'turn on the checkbox'.
そのオプションのチェックボックスをオンにしてください。
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.
荷物をフロントに預けてもいいですか。
Can I check my luggage at the front desk?
コートをクロークに預けた。
I checked my coat at the cloakroom.
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.
お会計は20ドルです。
The check is $20.