Meaning and Usage
"確保" (かくほ) is a formal verb often used in business, legal, and official contexts to mean "to secure," "to guarantee," or "to ensure." It implies actively obtaining or maintaining something important, such as safety, resources, or rights.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see 確保 used when talking about securing safety (安全確保), funding or resources (資金確保), or physical spaces (場所確保). It often appears in written and formal spoken Japanese.
Collocations and Patterns
- 安全を確保する: to ensure safety, often used in workplace or public safety contexts.
- 資金を確保する: to secure funds, common in business or project planning.
- 場所を確保する: to secure a place or venue, used when organizing events.
Register and Nuance
This word is formal and polite, suitable for business, official documents, and serious discussions. It is less common in casual conversation.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 確保 with 確認 (かくにん, confirmation). 確保 means to secure or guarantee something, while 確認 means to check or confirm information. Remember 確保 is about obtaining or maintaining, not just verifying.