Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "止まる", "止める", "やめる", "止む"
All represent the core concept "stop", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
止まる
とまる (tomaru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
止める
とめる (tomeru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
やめる
やめる (yameru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
止む
やむ (yamu)
N4 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "stop" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "止まる", "止める", "やめる", "止む" based on context.
- 止まる (とまる (tomaru) - Level: N4): Maps 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.
- 止める (とめる (tomeru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to stop (something); to park; to fasten" and is used when Transitive verb. Used for actions like stopping a car.
- やめる (やめる (yameru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to stop, to quit, to give up" and is used when Used for stopping an action, quitting a job, or giving up a habit. Often used with a noun + 「を.
- 止む (やむ (yamu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to stop, to cease (e.g., rain, wind, sound)" and is used when Usually used for natural phenomena.
Context for "止まる"
電車が駅に止まりました。
The train stopped at the station.
Context for "止める"
ここに車を止めてもいいですか。
May I park my car here?
Context for "やめる"
私はタバコを完全にやめました。
I completely quit smoking.
Context for "止む"
雨が止んだら、出かけましょう。
Let's go out when the rain stops.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "to stop (intransitive)" in the context: "The train stopped at the station.".