Translation guide
A security check is a procedure to verify safety, identity, or authorization. In Japanese, the expression depends on the context: airport screening, identity verification, background checks, or cybersecurity scans.
identity verification
background check
IT security scan
The physical inspection of persons and baggage at airports, stations, or event venues.
Literally 'baggage inspection'. The standard term for security screening of carry-on luggage at airports.
The security check took a long time.
General 'security inspection' used at airports for both passengers and baggage. Often seen on signs.
The security checkpoint is this way.
Loanword from English, used in casual or modern contexts, especially at events or smaller venues.
There will be a security check before entry.
Checking a person's identity, often by examining ID cards, passports, or other documents.
Investigating a person's history, criminal record, or credentials, often for employment or security clearance.
Formal term for a background investigation, including personal history and criminal records.
Scanning computer systems, networks, or software for vulnerabilities or malware.
Common loanword for a general security scan in IT contexts.
At airports, 保安検査 (security inspection) is the broader term covering the entire screening process, while 手荷物検査 specifically refers to the baggage check. Signs often say 保安検査, but the act of putting your bag through the X-ray is 手荷物検査.
Literally 'body inspection'. Refers to a physical pat-down or full-body search, not the standard baggage scan.
I was told to undergo a body search.
Standard term for identity verification, used in banking, online services, and official procedures.
Identity verification is required to open an account.
Similar to 本人確認, but emphasizes confirming one's status or affiliation. Often used by police or security guards.
The police officer asked for identification.
Casual loanword for checking IDs, common at clubs or age-restricted venues.
There's an ID check at the entrance.
A background check is conducted before hiring.
Loanword-based term focusing on career or educational history verification.
The background check revealed the lie.
Specifically refers to security clearance for access to classified information. Not a general background check.
That job requires security clearance.
We regularly perform security checks on the system.
Technical term for vulnerability assessment or penetration testing.
We outsourced the vulnerability assessment to an external company.
Specifically a virus scan, not a comprehensive security check.
Don't forget to run a virus check on your computer.
After passing through security, you undergo a baggage check.
While セキュリティチェック is understood, it sounds unnatural at Japanese airports. Use 保安検査 or 手荷物検査 instead.