Translation guide
To find out or determine something with certainty, often through investigation or evidence.
To discover or verify information, often by checking or asking.
The most common and versatile verb for 'ascertain' in everyday Japanese. It means to check or confirm something, often by direct action.
To reach a conclusion or establish something based on evidence or logic.
To judge or determine something based on available information. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
状況から判断すると、彼は無実だ。
Judging from the situation, we can ascertain he is innocent.
To take action to be certain about something, often for safety or correctness.
A common phrase meaning to double-check or confirm just to be safe. Natural in both casual and formal settings.
念のため確認しますが、明日の会議は10時ですね？
Just to ascertain, tomorrow's meeting is at 10, right?
確かめる is more hands-on and personal, while 確認する is more formal and often used for official verification. In business, 確認する is preferred.
彼の電話番号を確かめた。
I checked his phone number (by looking it up or asking).
契約内容を確認しました。
I have verified the contract details.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'ascertain'. Choose the verb based on the nuance: checking (確かめる), verifying (確認する), investigating (突き止める), or judging (判断する).
事実を確かめる必要がある。
We need to ascertain the facts.
彼が無事かどうか確かめてください。
Please ascertain whether he is safe.
Formal and widely used in business or official contexts. Implies verifying or confirming information, often through documentation or systematic checking.
日程を確認してからお知らせします。
I will let you know after I ascertain the schedule.
身元を確認するために書類が必要です。
Documents are required to ascertain identity.
Used when ascertaining something through investigation or effort, like tracking down the truth or a cause. Often implies a process of inquiry.
事故の原因を突き止めるのに時間がかかった。
It took time to ascertain the cause of the accident.
彼の居場所を突き止めようとしている。
We are trying to ascertain his whereabouts.
Means to make something clear or bring to light. Used when ascertaining involves revealing or clarifying something previously unknown.
真実を明らかにするために調査が行われた。
An investigation was conducted to ascertain the truth.
To ascertain by careful observation or judgment, often used when determining the true nature or value of something.
彼の能力を見極めるのは難しい。
It's difficult to ascertain his abilities.
We need to ascertain the risks.
To identify or specify something precisely. Often used in technical or investigative contexts.
問題の原因を特定するのは困難だった。
It was difficult to ascertain the cause of the problem.
To investigate thoroughly and ascertain the truth, often used in academic or formal investigations.
原因を究明するための委員会が設置された。
A committee was set up to ascertain the cause.
Casual way to say 'properly ascertain' or 'make sure'. Used in everyday conversation.
ちゃんと確かめてから買ったほうがいいよ。
You should ascertain properly before buying.