Inklingo

How to Say "check" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “check” is “revisar” — use this when you need to look over something, like an email or a document, to ensure it's correct or complete.

revisar🔊A2

Use this when you need to look over something, like an email or a document, to ensure it's correct or complete.

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asegúreseB1

Use this when you want to make sure that something is done correctly or that a condition is met.

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comprobaciónB1

Use this for a quick inspection or test to confirm something is in order, like checking luggage.

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cheque🔊A2

This refers specifically to the financial document used for payment, common in US English.

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control🔊A2

Use this for official inspections, such as at security checkpoints or border crossings.

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chequeo🔊B1

This is used for a verification or inspection, often a routine one like a medical check-up or a car inspection.

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cuenta🔊A1

In restaurants, especially in the Americas, this is how you ask for the bill or the check.

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verificaciónB1

This refers to a formal process of checking or confirming something, often for accuracy or authenticity.

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controlar🔊B2

Use this when an authority figure inspects or verifies documents or tickets, like at an event entrance.

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talónB2

This is a bank payment document, often a detachable part of a larger form, more common in Spain.

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marcar🔊B1

Use this when indicating or selecting an answer on a form, or when a device indicates a specific time or value.

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jaque🔊A2

This is the specific term used in chess when a king is under immediate attack.

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detengan🔊A2

Use this when you want to stop or limit something, functioning like 'stop' or 'hold back'.

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freno🔊B2

This refers to a limit or restraint, often used metaphorically when someone lacks self-control.

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English → Spanish

revisar

rreh-vee-SAHRre.βiˈsaɾ

verbA2general
Use this when you need to look over something, like an email or a document, to ensure it's correct or complete.
A focused person reviewing a document with a red pen, indicating an error.

Examples

Necesito revisar mi correo electrónico antes de irme a casa.

I need to check my email before going home.

La policía revisó todas las maletas en el aeropuerto.

The police inspected all the suitcases at the airport.

El doctor quiere revisar tus resultados de laboratorio.

The doctor wants to examine your lab results.

Direct Use

Like many Spanish verbs, 'revisar' takes the action directly onto the thing being checked (the direct object). You don't need an extra preposition like 'at' or 'for'.

Confusing 'Revisar' and 'Revisar'

Mistake: “Using 'revisar' when you mean 'to look at' or 'to see' something quickly (mirar).”

Correction: 'Revisar' implies a thorough check or inspection, not just a casual look.

asegúrese

verbB1general
Use this when you want to make sure that something is done correctly or that a condition is met.

Examples

Por favor, asegúrese de cerrar la puerta al salir.

Please, make sure to close the door when you leave.

comprobación

nounB1general
Use this for a quick inspection or test to confirm something is in order, like checking luggage.

Examples

Haz una comprobación rápida de tu maleta antes de salir.

Do a quick check of your suitcase before leaving.

cheque

CHEH-keh'tʃe.ke

nounA2financial
This refers specifically to the financial document used for payment, common in US English.
A simple illustration of a rectangular bank check with blank lines for signatures and amounts, placed on a wooden surface.

Examples

Necesito ir al banco para depositar este cheque.

I need to go to the bank to deposit this check.

El pago de la renta fue con un cheque personal.

The rent payment was made with a personal check.

El cliente nos pagó con un cheque sin fondos.

The client paid us with a bounced check (a check without funds).

Gender Rule for Money

Most money-related objects in Spanish are masculine, so we always use 'el' with 'cheque'.

Confusing the Verb

Mistake: “Usar 'pagar el cheque' cuando quieres decir 'escribir el cheque'.”

Correction: Use 'hacer un cheque' or 'extender un cheque' when you mean to write one out.

control

kon-trolkonˈtɾol

nounA2official
Use this for official inspections, such as at security checkpoints or border crossings.
A friendly security officer in uniform using a simple handheld scanner to inspect a traveler's brightly colored suitcase at a stylized airport checkpoint.

Examples

Tengo que pasar por el control de seguridad en el aeropuerto.

I have to go through the security check at the airport.

La policía montó un control en la carretera.

The police set up a checkpoint on the highway.

El médico me recomendó un control anual.

The doctor recommended an annual check-up.

chequeo

che-KE-oht͡ʃeˈkeo

nounB1general
This is used for a verification or inspection, often a routine one like a medical check-up or a car inspection.
A person wearing a safety vest holding a clipboard while looking closely at a car engine.

Examples

El mecánico le hizo un chequeo rápido al motor.

The mechanic did a quick check on the engine.

Hay un chequeo de seguridad antes de entrar al estadio.

There is a security screening before entering the stadium.

El sistema realiza un chequeo automático cada noche.

The system performs an automatic check every night.

Following with 'de'

To specify what kind of check it is, follow 'chequeo' with the word 'de' and the category (e.g., chequeo de maletas).

Check vs. Chequeo

Mistake: “Hacer un check.”

Correction: Hacer un chequeo. While English uses the short word 'check', Spanish adds the '-eo' ending to turn the action into a noun.

cuenta

KWEN-tahˈkwenta

nounA1restaurant
In restaurants, especially in the Americas, this is how you ask for the bill or the check.
A small stack of coins and paper money next to a folded restaurant bill on a cafe table.

Examples

La cuenta, por favor.

The bill, please.

La cuenta de la luz es muy alta este mes.

The electricity bill is very high this month.

Pagamos la cuenta a medias.

We split the bill.

verificación

nounB1formal
This refers to a formal process of checking or confirming something, often for accuracy or authenticity.

Examples

Por favor, introduce el código de verificación que enviamos a tu móvil.

Please enter the verification code we sent to your mobile.

controlar

kohn-troh-LAHRkon.tɾoˈlaɾ

verbB2official
Use this when an authority figure inspects or verifies documents or tickets, like at an event entrance.
A uniformed inspector using a magnifying glass to closely examine a ticket.

Examples

El guardia controló mi billete en la entrada del museo.

The guard checked my ticket at the museum entrance.

Tenemos que controlar los datos semanalmente para ver si hay errores.

We have to monitor the data weekly to see if there are errors.

talón

nounB2financial
This is a bank payment document, often a detachable part of a larger form, more common in Spain.

Examples

Por favor, guarde el talón de su compra.

Please keep your purchase stub.

marcar

mar-KARmaɾˈkaɾ

verbB1general
Use this when indicating or selecting an answer on a form, or when a device indicates a specific time or value.
A simple drawing of a red pencil marking a thick, straight line across a white surface.

Examples

El reloj marcó las doce en punto.

The clock indicated exactly twelve o'clock.

Debes marcar con una 'X' la casilla correcta.

You must mark the correct box with an 'X'.

El mapa marca dónde está el tesoro.

The map indicates where the treasure is.

Reflexive Use for Appearance

The reflexive form 'marcarse' can mean that something is visible or noticeable, often related to clothing or physique: 'Se le marcan los músculos' (His muscles show).

jaque

HAH-kehˈxake

nounA2games
This is the specific term used in chess when a king is under immediate attack.
A wooden chess king being targeted by a white knight on a checkered board.

Examples

El jugador anunció 'jaque' al mover su torre.

The player announced 'check' when moving his rook.

Tu rey está en jaque, tienes que moverlo.

Your king is in check; you have to move it.

Hice un movimiento brillante para poner a su reina en peligro y darle jaque al mismo tiempo.

I made a brilliant move to put his queen in danger and give check at the same time.

Using 'dar' with Jaque

To say 'to check' in Spanish chess, we use the verb 'dar' (to give). You don't just 'make' a check; you 'give' it.

Check vs. Jaque

Mistake: “Using 'cheque' when playing chess.”

Correction: Say 'jaque'. A 'cheque' is what you use at a bank to pay for things.

detengan

deh-TEHN-gahndeˈten.ɡan

verbA2imperative
Use this when you want to stop or limit something, functioning like 'stop' or 'hold back'.
A stylized image of a large, open human hand held up facing forward, acting as a barrier. A small, simplified car is approaching the hand but is clearly stopping right before it.

Examples

¡Detengan la música! Es demasiado tarde.

Stop the music! It's too late.

Es crucial que detengan el coche antes de la curva.

It is crucial that they stop the car before the curve.

No permitan que estas dificultades los detengan.

Don't let these difficulties hold you (formal plural) back.

Formal Plural Command

"Detengan" is the formal way (using 'ustedes') to tell a group of people to stop doing something. It comes directly from the special verb form used for wishes and commands.

Subjunctive Use

When used as 'they stop,' it appears after phrases expressing desire, necessity, doubt, or emotion, like 'Quiero que...' (I want that...) or 'Es necesario que...' (It is necessary that...).

Confusing Formal Command

Mistake: “Using *detienen* (the indicative form) for a command: ¡Detienen el carro!”

Correction: Use the command form: ¡Detengan el carro! (The verb form changes when you give an order or instruction).

freno

FREH-nohˈfɾeno

nounB2figurative
This refers to a limit or restraint, often used metaphorically when someone lacks self-control.
A sturdy wooden fence preventing a group of colorful balls from rolling down a hill.

Examples

No tiene freno cuando se pone a hablar.

He has no restraint once he starts talking.

La ley sirvió como un freno a la corrupción.

The law served as a check on corruption.

Figurative use

Just like in English, we use the word for stopping a car to describe stopping a behavior.

Verbs vs. Nouns for 'Check'

The most common confusion is between verbs like 'revisar' (to check something) and nouns like 'comprobación' (a check/verification). Remember that if you are performing the action of checking, you'll likely use a verb, while if you are referring to the act or result of checking, a noun is appropriate.

Related Translations

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