Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "止まる", "止める", "辞める", "立ち止まる"
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
辞める
やめる (yameru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
立ち止まる
たちどまる (tachidomaru)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "stop" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "止まる", "止める", "辞める", "立ち止まる" 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.
- 辞める (やめる (yameru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to stop, to quit, to resign" and is used when To cease an action, habit, or occupation. Commonly used for quitting a job.
- 立ち止まる (たちどまる (tachidomaru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to stop, to come to a halt" and is used when Refers to physically stopping movement or metaphorically pausing one's progress or thoughts..
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 "辞める"
彼は先月、会社を辞めました。
He quit his job last month.
Context for "立ち止まる"
信号が赤になったので、自転車を立ち止まらせた。
The traffic light turned red, so I stopped my bicycle.
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.".