JLPT N4・N5 Vocabulary – Difference between “止まる” and “止む”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “止まる” and “止む”
2. 止まる
3. 止む
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “止まる” and “止む” ?
A: Both are verbs used when the movement of something that was moving comes to an end, but they carry different meanings and are used in different contexts.
止まる (JLPT N5)
It is used for things that do not naturally come to a halt on their own.
For example, it applies to vehicles, people, machines, etc.
This term is specifically used to describe the act of stopping movement or activity that is controlled or can be controlled.
[Examples]
車が止まります。
The car stops.
時計が止まっています。
The clock has stopped.
音楽が止まりました。
The music has stopped.
止む (JLPT N4)
It is used for things that stop naturally.
For example, it applies to natural phenomena such as rain or wind, or things that cannot be stopped by human will.
[Examples]
雨が止みました。
The rain has stopped.
風が止みました。
The wind has stopped.
赤ちゃんが泣き止みません。
The baby won’t stop crying.
Let’s Compare
[Difference in Usage]
”止まる” is used when something physically moving, like a person, machine, or vehicle, comes to a stop.
[Example]
車が急に止まりました。
The car suddenly stopped.
“止む” is used for things that occur naturally, like rain, wind, sound, or emotions, which naturally cease on their own.
[Example]
朝から降っていた雨がようやく止みました。
The rain that had been falling since morning finally stopped.
[意志の有無]
“止む “means to stop naturally, without any relation to intent or will.
[Example]
風が止んで、静かな夜が訪れました。
The wind stopped, and a quiet night arrived.
“止まる” can also be used when someone intentionally stops something.
[Example]
彼はエンジンを止めました。
He stopped the engine.
Summary
[止まる]
- Refers to the cessation of physical movement or activity.
- Used when something that moves comes to a stop.
[止む]
- Natural phenomena or situations come to an end, or something naturally concludes.
- Primarily represents the conclusion of natural movements or phenomena that occur irrespective of human will.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 止む
雪は夕方には止むでしょう。
The snow is expected to stop by the evening.
*Since snow is a natural phenomenon, “止む” is the appropriate verb to use.
A. 止まる
バスが止まるまで、立たないでください。
Please do not stand up until the bus comes to a stop.
*For vehicles like buses, using “止まる” is correct.
A. 止まる
黄色信号の時は止まるようにしましょう。
Let’s make sure to stop at the yellow light.
*When a person sees a yellow light and intentionally stops moving, “止まる” is the correct verb to use.
A. 止む
風の音が止むと、外はとても静かになりました。
When the sound of the wind stopped, it became very quiet outside.
*Since wind is a natural phenomenon, ” 止む” is the appropriate verb to use.
