Translation guide
The English verb 'confirm' covers several related actions: verifying facts, making plans definite, and formally ratifying decisions. Japanese uses different expressions depending on the nuance.
To make sure something is true or correct by checking information.
The most common and versatile equivalent. Used for checking facts, schedules, details, etc.
出発時間を確認してください。
Please confirm the departure time.
I confirmed the reservation by email.
To ascertain or verify something personally, often by looking or asking directly. Slightly more active than 確認する.
事実かどうか確かめてください。
Please confirm whether it's true.
To double-check or confirm just to be safe. Adds the nuance of 'just in case'.
念のため、もう一度確認します。
I'll confirm once more just to be safe.
To finalize or settle details of a plan, appointment, or agreement.
To finalize or decide something definitively. Often used for schedules, plans, or official decisions.
日程が確定しました。
The schedule has been confirmed.
To decide or fix something. In casual contexts, this can replace 'confirm' for plans.
会議の日時を決めましょう。
Let's confirm the date and time of the meeting.
To formally decide or confirm. Used when emphasizing official confirmation.
来週の会議で正式に決めます。
We will formally confirm it at next week's meeting.
To give official approval or validation, such as a treaty, appointment, or decision.
To approve or ratify formally. Used for official confirmations by authorities.
取締役会が新社長を承認した。
The board confirmed the new president.
To ratify a treaty or international agreement. Formal and limited to diplomatic contexts.
国会が条約を批准した。
The parliament ratified (confirmed) the treaty.
To verify or guarantee a booking, such as a hotel or flight.
The standard verb for confirming reservations. Often used with 予約 (reservation).
ホテルの予約を確認したいのですが。
I'd like to confirm my hotel reservation.
Literally 'to take a reservation', but can imply confirming a booking in casual speech.
レストランの予約を取っておいて。
Confirm a reservation at the restaurant (for me).
To check that someone understands or agrees with something.
Used to confirm understanding or agreement, often in business settings.
内容をご確認いただけますか。
Could you confirm the content?
To make doubly sure; to confirm by asking again. Implies caution.
彼に念を押して、本当に大丈夫か確認した。
I double-checked with him to confirm it was really okay.
English 'confirm' covers many situations, but Japanese often requires different verbs depending on what is being confirmed. Using 確認する for everything is safe, but in formal or specific contexts, choose the appropriate term.