確認する vs 確かめる
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 確認する
Listen to 確かめる
| 確認する | 確かめる |
|---|---|
ka-ku-NIN su-ru verb (suru-verb) | たしかめる verb (suru-verb) |
| to confirm; to check; to verify | to make sure; to ascertain; to check (often by oneself or directly) |
How they differ
確かめる emphasizes personally checking or confirming something by direct observation or action and is more colloquial; 確認する is broader and often used for formal or procedural confirmation (documents, schedules, approvals).
When to use each
When to use 確認する: Prefer 確認する for formal, administrative, or written confirmations (e.g., confirming schedules, approvals, or that something is correct).
When to use 確かめる: Prefer 確かめる when you or someone is checking something directly, physically, or casually (e.g., making sure a door is locked, checking a light).
Side-by-side examples
- 出張の日程を確認しました。
(I confirmed the business trip schedule.) - 出発前にドアが閉まっているか確かめてください。
(Please make sure the door is closed before leaving.)
Register & nuance: 確かめる is more casual and conversational; 確認する is neutral to formal and common in business/written contexts.