Translation and Meaning of: 止まる - tomaru
The Japanese word 止まる[とまる] is an essential verb for anyone learning the language, especially for everyday situations. Its main meaning is "to stop" or "to interrupt," but like many words in Japanese, its usage goes beyond the literal translation. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic meaning to curiosities about its writing and how it appears in different cultural contexts. If you want to understand how Japanese people use this word in their daily lives, keep reading!
Meaning and usage of 止まる
止まる is a verb that describes the action of something or someone stopping moving. It can be used for both inanimate objects, like a car or a clock, and living beings. For example, if a train stops at the station, a Japanese person would say "電車が止まる" (densha ga tomaru). The word can also indicate a temporary pause, such as when the rain stops falling.
It should be noted that 止まる is not used for interruptions caused by human decisions. If someone stops speaking because they chose to be silent, the more appropriate verb would be やめる (yameru). This distinction is important to avoid common mistakes among Japanese learners.
The writing and components of kanji
The kanji 止 is composed of the radical "止め" (tome), which represents the idea of stopping or blocking. This same character appears in other related words, such as 禁止 (kinshi - prohibition) and 中止 (chuushi - cancellation). The reading とまる (tomaru) is one of the most common for this kanji, but it can also be read as し (shi) in certain contexts.
One tip to memorize this kanji is to observe its shape: it resembles a footprint on the ground, as if something has marked a final point. This visual association can help reinforce both the meaning and the writing. In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you can find more details about the radicals and other words that use this same kanji.
Cultural usage and frequency in everyday life
In Japan, 止まる is a high-frequency word, especially in public warnings and signage. Traffic signs with 止まれ (tomare) are ubiquitous, indicating where vehicles must come to a complete stop. This usage reinforces how the word is connected to safety rules and social organization.
In addition to the urban context, 止まる appears in expressions such as 時が止まる (toki ga tomaru - time stops), used both literally and metaphorically in songs and literature. Its presence in Japanese media shows how the verb goes beyond the physical meaning, conveying emotions and abstract ideas.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Verb conjugation of 止まる
- 止まる - dictionary form
- 止まります - polite form
- 止まりません - Polite negative form
- 止まった - past form
- 止まっています - Progressive form
- 止まるでしょう conditional form
Synonyms and similar words
- 止める (tomeru) - stop something, interrupt an action
- 中断する (chuudan suru) - temporarily interrupt, suspend an activity
- 停止する (teishi suru) - stop completely, cease an operation
- 立ち止まる (tachidomaru) - to stop oneself (physically) in a place
- 鎮まる (shizumaru) - calm down, stop moving or fidgeting
- 止す (yasu) - stop or cease an action, often used in more formal contexts
Related words
Romaji: tomaru
Kana: とまる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n5
Translation / Meaning: to stop
Meaning in English: to come to a halt
Definition: Temporary suspension of operation.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (止まる) tomaru
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (止まる) tomaru:
Example Sentences - (止まる) tomaru
See below some example sentences:
Tomaru koto wa dekinai
I can not stop.
It cannot be stopped.
- 止まる - stop
- こと - thing
- は - Topic particle
- できない - cannot be done
Mōretsu na atsusa de ase ga tomaranai
The sweat does not stop due to the intense heat.
The sweat does not stop due to the intense heat.
- 猛烈な - Intense, strong
- 暑さ - heat
- で - Through, by means of
- 汗 - sweat
- が - subject particle
- 止まらない - do not stop, do not cease
Namida ga tomaranai
The tears keep falling.
The tears don't stop.
- 涙 - teardrop
- が - subject particle
- 止まらない - don't stop, don't stop
Shindou ga tomaranai
The vibrations do not stop.
The vibration does not stop.
- 振動 (しんどう) - vibration
- が - subject particle
- 止まらない (とまらない) - not stop
Yane no ue ni tori ga tomatte iru
A bird is perched on the roof.
A bird stops on the roof.
- 屋根 - roof
- の - Possession particle
- 上 - on top
- に - Location particle
- 鳥 - Bird
- が - subject particle
- 止まっている - is sitting
Kusuri ga tomaranai
The cough does not stop.
The cough does not stop.
- 咳 (せき) - cough
- が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 止まらない (とまらない) - don't stop, don't stop
Kozue ni wa kotori ga tomatte iru
A bird is stopped in the tree.
- 梢 (kogoroshi) - top of the trees
- に (ni) - particle that indicates the location of the subject
- は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- 小鳥 (kotori) - small birds
- が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 止まっている (tomatteiru) - stopped, perched
Other Words of this Type: verb
See other words from our dictionary that are also: verb
