Translation and Meaning of: 止める - todomeru

The Japanese word 止める [とどめる] carries subtle meanings and specific uses that can intrigue language students. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical applications, as well as how it is perceived in everyday Japanese. If you've ever wondered how to use 止める correctly or what its relationship is with other similar verbs, this guide will clarify your doubts in a straightforward and helpful manner.

Meaning and translation of 止める

止める[とどめる] is a verb that generally means "to stop", "to hold back", or "to keep something in a specific state". Unlike other verbs like 止まる[とまる] or 止す[やめる], 止める implies a deliberate action to interrupt or contain something. For example, it can be used to describe the interruption of physical movement or the containment of an emotion.

In translations to English, it is common to find equivalents such as "detain" or "prevent," but the context determines the best choice. The nuance of control and intentionality is what differentiates 止める from similar terms. This semantic precision is essential to avoid errors in conversations or formal texts.

Origin and components of kanji

The kanji 止 is composed of the radical "stop" (止) and appears in various other characters related to interruption or containment. Its origin dates back to ancient pictograms that represented a foot standing on the ground, symbolizing the idea of ceasing movement. This visual representation helps to understand why 止める is associated with actions of prevention or control.

It is worth noting that 止める is not an archaic verb, but its use in classical texts may present variations in meaning. In historical contexts, for example, it could indicate "keeping something within limits," reinforcing the notion of restraint that persists to this day.

Everyday use and memorization tips

In daily life, 止める is frequently used in situations that require active intervention. Phrases like "感情を止める" (to contain emotions) or "車を止める" (to stop a car) illustrate its practical use. The key to memorizing it lies in associating the kanji 止 with actions that involve interrupting physical or emotional processes.

A useful fact is that 止める frequently appears in safety manuals and public notices, reinforcing its sense of urgency. Observing signs or instructions that use this verb can be an effective way to solidify its meaning and usage.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 止める

• 止めます - Present form, polite
• 止めましょう - Polite imperative form
• 止めた - past form
• 止められる - Potential form, passive
• 止めない - Present Negative Form
• 止めて - Imperative form, informal

Synonyms and similar words

• やめる (yameru) - Stop, give up on something
• 中止する (chūshi suru) - Interrupt, cancel an action
• 中断する (chūdan suru) - Suspender temporariamente
• 打ち切る (uchikiri) - To finalize or terminate definitively
• 終了する (shūryō suru) - Concluir, finalizar
• 停止する (teishi suru) - Stop, cease a movement or operation.
• 抑える (osaeru) - Suppress, hold back something
• 制止する (seishi suru) - Prevent, interrupt an action
• 阻止する (soshi suru) - Prevent, obstruct something
• 捕捉する (hoshaku suru) - Capture, grab something
• 捕獲する (hokaku suru) - Capture, usually in the context of animals.
• 拘束する (kōsoku suru) - Restringir, prender
• 縛る (shibaru) - Tie, bind something
• 固定する (kotei suru) - Fix, stabilize
• 固める (katameru) - Endurecer, compactar
• 確保する (kakuhō suru) - Ensure, guarantee the possession of something
• 保持する (hoji suru) - Maintain, support
• 保管する (hokan suru) - Store securely
• 保存する (hozon suru) - Conservar, preservar
• 貯蔵する (chozō suru) - Store items, usually in large quantities
• 蓄積する (chikuseki suru) - Accumulation, accumulation of resources or information
• 蓄える (takuēru) - Guardar, armazenar
• 積み上げる (tsumiageru) - Stack, accumulate in layers
• 積む (tsumu) - Stacking, placing one thing on top of another (usually in a more general context)
• 堆積する (taisekisuru) - Layering, usually used in geology
• 堆肥化する (taihika suru) - Convert into compost, usually in the context of gardening
• 堆肥にする (taipi ni suru) - Transform into a compound, produced from organic materials

止める

Romaji: todomeru
Kana: とどめる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4, jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: to stop; cease; put an end to

Meaning in English: to stop;to cease;to put an end to

Definition: To prevent something from progressing. To interrupt its continuation.

Example Sentences - (止める) todomeru

See below some example sentences:

明らかになった真実を受け止める。

Akiraka ni natta shinjitsu wo uke toreru

Accept the truth that became clear.

Accepts the truth that was revealed.

• 明らかになった - adjective meaning "it became clear"
• 真実 - noun meaning "truth"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 受け止める - verb meaning "to accept" or "to understand"

彼女を引き止めるのは難しいです。

Kanojo wo hikitomeru no wa muzukashii desu

It's hard to stop her from leaving.

It's hard to stop her.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - means "girlfriend"
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 引き止める (hikitomeru) - verb meaning "to stop, prevent, withhold"
• のは (no wa) - Topic particle
• 難しい (muzukashii) - adjective meaning "difficult"
• です (desu) - copulative verb that indicates "to be" or "to be"

止めることはできない。

Tomeru koto wa dekinai

I can not stop.

I can not stop.

• 止める - verb "to stop"
• こと - noun "thing"
• は - Topic particle
• できない - verb "to be unable to"

残酷な現実を受け止める必要がある。

Zankoku na genjitsu wo uketomeru hitsuyou ga aru

We need to face cruel reality.

It is necessary to accept cruel reality.

• 残酷な - cruel
• 現実 - reality
• を - Partícula que indica o objeto de um verbo
• 受け止める - aceitar, absorver
• 必要 - necessário
• が - partícula que indica o sujeito de uma frase
• ある - existir, ser

彼女を呼び止めた。

Kanojo wo yobitometa

I called her back.

I stopped her.

• 彼女 - she
• を - object particle
• 呼び止めた - called out and stopped

指摘されたことを真剣に受け止めます。

Shitoku sareta koto wo shinken ni uketomemasu

I take what has been pointed out seriously.

I take what has been pointed out seriously.

• 指摘されたこと - "Pointed things"
• を - object particle
• 真剣に - "Sincerely"
• 受け止めます - "Accept"