Translation and Meaning of: 止まる - todomaru

The Japanese word 止まる (とどまる, todomaru) carries subtle meanings and specific uses that may intrigue language students. In this article, we will explore its main meaning, etymological origins, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will look at practical tips for memorizing it and understanding its cultural context, all based on reliable sources like the Suki Nihongo dictionary.

Meaning and usage of 止まる

止まる is a Japanese verb that means "to stop," "to stay," or "to remain in a place." Unlike other similar verbs like 止める (とめる, tomeru), which implies an intentional action of stopping something, 止まる suggests a natural or temporary stop. For example, it can describe an object that stops moving on its own or a person who stays in a location for a short period.

This nuance is important to avoid confusion. While 止める is more commonly used when someone interrupts an action (like braking a car), 止まる appears in contexts where the interruption is spontaneous or without direct intervention. This distinction is essential for anyone who wants to sound natural when speaking Japanese.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 止 (とど) has Chinese origins and represents the idea of "to stop" or "to cease." Its radical is the kanji itself, and its ancient form dates back to pictograms that symbolized footprints at a standstill. Meanwhile, まる (maru) is a verbal suffix that indicates the completion of an action, common in many Japanese verbs.

It is important to highlight that 止まる is not just an everyday verb, but also appears in compound expressions and more formal language. Its kanji is the same used in words like 禁止 (きんし, kinshi - "prohibition"), showing how the semantic root of "to stop" is maintained in different contexts.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 止まる is to associate it with situations where things stop without human intervention. Think of leaves falling that 止まる on the ground or a clock that 止まる due to a dead battery. This mental image helps differentiate it from verbs like 止める, which require an external agent.

Another tip is to practice with simple everyday sentences, such as "電車が止まった" (でんしゃがとまった, densha ga tomatta - "the train stopped"). Observing its use in animes or dramas is also helpful, as 止まる frequently appears in scenes where there are natural or unexpected pauses.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 止まる

• 止まる - basic form
• 止まります - polite form
• 止まった - past form
• 止まらない - negative form
• 止まれ - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 止める (tomeru) - Stop something, interrupt an action.
• 中断する (chuudan suru) - Temporary interruption of an action or process.
• 停止する (teishi suru) - Stop completely, cease activities.
• 立ち止まる (tachidomaru) - To stop or stay still, usually in motion.
• 鎮まる (shizumaru) - To quiet down or calm down, in the sense of stopping disturbances.
• 止す (yasu) - Ending or giving up on something.