Translation guide
The English phrase 'to be sure' is used to express certainty, to concede a point before a contrast, or to confirm information. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each use.
The speaker is certain about something, similar to 'certainly' or 'indeed'.
A common adverb meaning 'certainly' or 'surely'. Used to affirm a statement with confidence.
確かに、それは正しい。
To be sure, that is correct.
Literally 'without mistake', used to emphasize certainty, similar to 'undoubtedly'.
間違いなく、彼は来る。
To be sure, he will come.
Means 'of course' or 'certainly'. Used in casual and formal contexts.
もちろん、手伝います。
To be sure, I'll help.
Acknowledging a fact while introducing a contrasting idea, like 'admittedly' or 'it is true that...'.
Used to concede a point ('indeed') before adding a contrasting statement with が (but).
なるほど便利だが、高すぎる。
To be sure, it's convenient, but it's too expensive.
Acknowledges a fact with 確かに (certainly) and then contrasts with が (but).
確かに難しいが、不可能ではない。
To be sure, it's difficult, but not impossible.
A pattern that concedes a point: 'It is true that... but...'. Often used with the same verb or adjective repeated.
安いことは安いが、品質が心配だ。
To be sure, it's cheap, but I'm worried about the quality.
Used to double-check something or to invite confirmation, like 'just to make sure' or 'are you certain?'.
Means 'just to be sure' or 'to make certain'. Used when taking precautionary action.
念のため、もう一度確認します。
To be sure, I'll check once more.
A polite way to preface a confirmation question, similar to 'just to confirm'.
確認ですが、会議は3時ですね。
To be sure, the meeting is at 3, right?
Used to ask 'really?' or 'are you sure?'. Can be used to seek confirmation.
Do not translate 'to be sure' word-for-word as 確かであるために or similar. Use the appropriate phrase based on the intended meaning.
本当に大丈夫？
To be sure, are you really okay?