確かめる

• Reading: たしかめる
• Romaji: tashikameru
• Kanji breakdown: 確 (kaku/tashi) — certain, sure, confirm
• Pronunciation: /ta.ɕi.ka.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To confirm; to verify; to make sure; to check. Used when actively checking the truth or accuracy of something.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb conjugated by dropping る. Emphasises the act of personally verifying something, often through direct action. Commonly used with かどうか (whether or not). Related to the adjective 確か (certain/sure).

Examples

1. 出かける前に鍵をかけたか確かめた。 I checked whether I had locked the door before going out.
2. 情報が正しいかどうか確かめてください。 Please verify whether the information is correct.
3. 自分の目で確かめないと気が済まない。 I won't be satisfied until I see it with my own eyes.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, work, investigation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from the adjective 確か (tashika, certain) with the verb-forming suffix める. The kanji 確 combines 石 (stone) and 隺 (crane), suggesting the firmness of stone — something solid and reliable.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal