Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "とまる (tomaru)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
止まる
とまる (tomaru)
N4 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
泊まる
とまる (tomaru)
N4 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "とまる (tomaru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 止まる (Level: N4): Translates to "to stop (intransitive)" and is used when Intransitive verb. Used for something coming to a halt on its own. The transitive equivalent is 止める.
- 泊まる (Level: N4): Maps to "to stay (at a hotel, etc.), to lodge" and carries the nuance of Intransitive verb. Specifically refers to staying overnight at a place like a hotel, ryokan, or a friend's house. Not used for 'staying' in the sense of remaining in a place for a short time.
Bilingual Context for "止まる"
電車が駅に止まりました。
The train stopped at the station.
Bilingual Context for "泊まる"
今夜は友人の家に泊まります。
I will stay at a friend's house tonight.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "電車が駅に止まりました。" (Meaning: "The train stopped at the station.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "止まる" is used for "to stop (intransitive)" in the context: "The train stopped at the station.".