The verb 'tomaru' captures both the cessation of movement and the act of staying overnight.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To cease movement or action.
- To stay overnight at a location.
- Essential verb for daily travel and accommodation.
Overview
- 1概要：「とまる」は、動いている物体の動きを停止させる、あるいは一時的にその場に留まるという非常に基本的な動詞です。漢字表記には「止まる（運動の停止）」と「泊まる（宿泊する）」の二種類があり、文脈によって使い分けます。
一般的な文脈：日常生活で最も頻繁に使われるのは、交通機関に関する場面です。「バスがとまる」「電車がとまる」など、移動の停止を伝える際に必須です。また、観光や出張で宿に滞在する際にも使われます。
- 1類語との比較：「とどまる」は、その場から動かないという「継続性」に焦点があります。一方「とまる」は、動いている状態から静止状態への「変化」に焦点があります。また、「休止」や「停止」といった硬い言葉と比べると、「とまる」は日常会話で最も汎用性が高い表現です。
Examples
駅で電車がとまる。
everydayThe train stops at the station.
今夜はホテルにとまる予定です。
formalI plan to stay at a hotel tonight.
時計がとまった。
informalThe clock stopped.
バスはここでとまります。
academicThe bus stops here.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ここでとまる
Stop here
一晩とまる
Stay overnight
Often Confused With
Means to remain or stay in a place for a long time. Unlike 'tomaru', it doesn't usually refer to a sudden stop of motion.
The transitive version of 'tomaru'. It implies an external force or intention causing the stop.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'tomaru' for natural stops and 'tomeru' when you are the one stopping something. In formal settings, 'teishi suru' is often preferred for mechanical stops. 'Tomaru' is neutral and fits any register.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'tomeru' instead of 'tomaru' when describing a train or car stopping by itself. Remember that if the object stops on its own, it must be the intransitive 'tomaru'. Also, confusing the kanji '止' and '泊' is a very common writing error.
Tips
Distinguish by Kanji usage
Remember that '止' is for motion and '泊' is for staying overnight. This visual distinction helps prevent confusion in writing.
Transitive vs Intransitive
Be careful not to mix up 'tomaru' (intransitive) with 'tomeru' (transitive). Using the wrong one can change the focus of your sentence.
Hotel stays
In Japan, 'tomaru' is commonly used when visiting hot springs (onsen) or ryokan. It implies a relaxing stay rather than just sleeping.
Word Origin
The word comes from ancient Japanese roots related to 'tome' (stopping point). The distinction between the kanji characters was imported later to differentiate the meanings of motion and lodging.
Cultural Context
In Japan, 'tomaru' is essential when discussing travel logistics. Understanding the distinction between staying at a traditional inn (ryokan) and a modern hotel is a key part of Japanese hospitality culture.
Memory Tip
Think of 'tomaru' as 'to-maru', where 'maru' (circle) represents a full stop. For the hotel meaning, imagine '泊' as a person (人) staying under a roof (宀).
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions動きが停止する場合は「止まる」、ホテルや旅館に宿泊する場合は「泊まる」を使います。読み方は同じですが、漢字で意味を明確に区別します。
はい、自動詞です。主語が自ら停止する様子を表します。他動詞として「止める」を使う場合は、誰かが意図的に停止させることを意味します。
「バスがとまる」はバス自体の動きが止まることを指します。「バスをとめる」は運転手などが意図的にバスを停止させることを指します。
はい、「とまりました」や「とまった」という形になります。過去の出来事や、すでに停止している状態を説明する際に使用します。
Test Yourself
駅で電車が___。
電車という主語が動くので、自動詞の「とまる」が適切です。
旅行でホテルに___。
宿泊施設に滞在する場合は「泊まる」を使います。
（バスが / とまる / ここで）
場所を示す「ここで」を文頭に置くのが自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
The verb 'tomaru' captures both the cessation of movement and the act of staying overnight.
- To cease movement or action.
- To stay overnight at a location.
- Essential verb for daily travel and accommodation.
Distinguish by Kanji usage
Remember that '止' is for motion and '泊' is for staying overnight. This visual distinction helps prevent confusion in writing.
Transitive vs Intransitive
Be careful not to mix up 'tomaru' (intransitive) with 'tomeru' (transitive). Using the wrong one can change the focus of your sentence.
Hotel stays
In Japan, 'tomaru' is commonly used when visiting hot springs (onsen) or ryokan. It implies a relaxing stay rather than just sleeping.
Examples
4 of 4駅で電車がとまる。
The train stops at the station.
今夜はホテルにとまる予定です。
I plan to stay at a hotel tonight.
時計がとまった。
The clock stopped.
バスはここでとまります。
The bus stops here.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More travel words
くらい/ぐらい
B1Particle indicating extent, degree, or 'about/approximately'.
宿泊
B1The act of staying overnight in a place, such as a hotel or guest house. Essential for IELTS General Task 1 letters regarding travel complaints or bookings.
入場料
B1The fee paid to enter a place.
入場券
B1A ticket allowing entry to an event or place.
冒険
B1Adventure; an exciting or unusual experience.
手頃
B1Reasonable in price or size; affordable, suitable.
〜の後に
B1After (a noun or event).
〜の後で
B1After (time or place), behind.
飛行場
A2Airport.
航空会社
B1Airline company.
