Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Stop" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "stop", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
止まる
とまる (tomaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
とどめる
とどめる (todomeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "stop" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 止まる and とどめる.
In Japanese, 止まる (とまる (tomaru)) is typically associated with "to stop (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Used for something coming to a halt on its own. The transitive equivalent is 止める.
On the other hand, とどめる (とどめる (todomeru)) maps to "to stop, to keep, to retain, to hold" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 他動詞。漢字は「留める」や「止める」があり、文脈によって使い分ける。「留める」は、ある状態を維持する、記憶に残す、固定する。「止める」は、動きや進行を停止させる。. A literal translation of "stop" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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 "とどめる"
彼は心にその光景を留めた。
He kept that scene in his mind.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "電車が駅に止まりました。" (Meaning: "The train stopped at the station.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "止まる" fits here because it means "to stop (intransitive)" in the context of: "The train stopped at the station.". "とどめる" represents "to stop, to keep, to retain, to hold".