Translation guide
The English phrase 'make sure' is used to express ensuring, verifying, or confirming something. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various verbs, phrases, and sentence patterns are used depending on the nuance.
To take action so that something happens or is done; to make certain of something.
This pattern means 'to make sure to do something' or 'to see to it that something happens'. It implies conscious effort or arrangement.
忘れ物がないようにしてください。
Please make sure you don't leave anything behind.
I'll make sure not to be late tomorrow.
This verb means 'to check' or 'to verify'. It is used when you want to confirm a fact or situation.
出発の時間を確かめてください。
Please make sure of the departure time.
A more formal verb meaning 'to confirm' or 'to check'. Often used in business or official contexts.
契約内容を確認してください。
Please make sure of the contract details.
This phrase means 'to do without fail' or 'to be sure to do'. It emphasizes certainty and determination.
必ず鍵をかけてください。
Make sure to lock the door.
A casual phrase meaning 'to do properly' or 'to make sure to do'. It implies doing something thoroughly or correctly.
ちゃんと宿題をやってね。
Make sure you do your homework.
To confirm that something is true, correct, or in a certain state.
The most common verb for 'to check' or 'to verify'. Used in everyday situations.
ガスが止まっているか確かめた。
I made sure the gas was off.
彼が来るかどうか確かめてください。
Please make sure whether he is coming or not.
A more formal synonym of 確かめる, often used in written or business contexts.
メールを確認しました。
I made sure of the email (I checked the email).
Means 'to look up' or 'to investigate'. Used when you need to find out information.
A pattern specifically for 'make sure whether or not'. Used for yes/no questions.
ドアが閉まっているかどうか確かめて。
Make sure whether the door is closed or not.
To guarantee or ensure that a certain condition is met.
A formal pattern meaning 'to confirm that...'. Often used in business or official settings.
全員が参加することを確認してください。
Please make sure that everyone participates.
As above, this pattern can also be used for ensuring a condition, especially when it involves an action.
子供が安全に遊べるようにしてください。
Make sure the children can play safely.
Emphasizes that something must be done without fail.
必ず報告書を提出してください。
Make sure to submit the report.
Both mean 'to check' or 'to verify', but 確認する is more formal and often used in business or official contexts. 確かめる is more common in everyday speech.
彼の電話番号を確かめた。
I checked his phone number. (casual)
お客様のご予約を確認いたします。
I will confirm your reservation. (formal)
Do not translate 'make sure' literally as 確かを作る or similar. It is not a direct translation and will not be understood.
明日必ず電話します。
I'll make sure to call you tomorrow.
情報が正しいか確認してください。
Please make sure the information is correct.
電車の時間を調べておいて。
Make sure of the train schedule (look it up).