Inklingo

How to Say "check" in Spanish

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

revisar🔊A2

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

{ui.learnMore}
cuenta🔊A1

Use 'cuenta' when asking for the bill in a restaurant, particularly common in Latin America.

{ui.learnMore}
asegúreseB1

Use 'asegúrese' (from 'asegurarse') when you want to make sure that something is done or true.

{ui.learnMore}
cheque🔊A2

Use 'cheque' for the financial document used for payment, equivalent to a 'check' in American English.

{ui.learnMore}
control🔊A2

Use 'control' to refer to an inspection or verification process, such as at an airport security checkpoint.

{ui.learnMore}
marcar🔊B1

Use 'marcar' when indicating a selection, like marking an answer on a form, or when something indicates a specific time.

{ui.learnMore}
controlar🔊B2

Use 'controlar' when the action involves actively inspecting or verifying something, like tickets or documents.

{ui.learnMore}
detengan🔊A2

Use 'detengan' (from 'detener') when 'check' means to stop or halt something, often used in commands.

{ui.learnMore}
freno🔊B2

Use 'freno' when 'check' refers to a restraint or a limit on behavior or actions.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

revisar

rreh-vee-SAHR/re.βiˈsaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'revisar' when you need to look over something, like an email or a document, to ensure it is 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.

cuenta

/KWEN-tah//ˈkwenta/

nounA1informal
Use 'cuenta' when asking for the bill in a restaurant, particularly common in Latin America.
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.

asegúrese

verbB1general
Use 'asegúrese' (from 'asegurarse') when you want to make sure that something is done or true.

Examples

Por favor, asegúrese de cerrar la puerta al salir.

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

cheque

/CHEH-keh//'tʃe.ke/

nounA2financial
Use 'cheque' for the financial document used for payment, equivalent to a 'check' in American 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-trol//konˈtɾol/

nounA2general
Use 'control' to refer to an inspection or verification process, such as at an airport security checkpoint.
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.

marcar

mar-KAR/maɾˈkaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'marcar' when indicating a selection, like marking an answer on a form, or when something indicates a specific time.
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).

controlar

kohn-troh-LAHR/kon.tɾoˈlaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'controlar' when the action involves actively inspecting or verifying something, like tickets or documents.
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.

detengan

/deh-TEHN-gahn//deˈten.ɡan/

verbA2command
Use 'detengan' (from 'detener') when 'check' means to stop or halt something, often used in commands.
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-noh//ˈfɾeno/

nounB2figurative
Use 'freno' when 'check' refers to a restraint or a limit on behavior or actions.
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.

General vs. Specific Verification

Learners often confuse 'revisar' (to review/look over) with 'controlar' (to actively inspect/verify). Use 'revisar' for checking your own work or email, and 'controlar' when someone else is inspecting something, like a ticket or passport.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.