Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Stay" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "stay", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
泊まる
とまる (tomaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
滞在
たいざい (taizai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "stay" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 泊まる and 滞在.
In Japanese, 泊まる (とまる (tomaru)) is typically associated with "to stay (at a hotel, etc.), to lodge" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 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.
On the other hand, 滞在 (たいざい (taizai)) maps to "stay (verb/noun), sojourn" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used as a noun with 「する. A literal translation of "stay" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "滞在"
彼は日本に3ヶ月滞在しました。
He stayed in Japan for three months.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今夜は友人の家に泊まります。" (Meaning: "I will stay at a friend's house tonight.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "泊まる" fits here because it means "to stay (at a hotel, etc.), to lodge" in the context of: "I will stay at a friend's house tonight.". "滞在" represents "stay (verb/noun), sojourn".