留め・止め|とめtome[0]heiban (flat)

Common
Which spelling to use
留め留め is the more common written form overall. It denotes a stop in a timber joint or at the end of a kanji stroke, and can also mean remaining, as in poste-restante.
止め止め is less common than 留め, but beginners should use it as their default spelling. It has the same senses, including a stop and remaining.
Definitions
  1. noun, suffix(a) stop (e.g. in a timber joint, or at the end of a kanji stroke)
    For example, Pepperberg would show Alex an object, such as a green wooden peg or a red paper triangle.
  2. noun, suffixremaining (e.g. poste-restante)
  3. noun, suffixforty-five degree angle
Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym阻止そしNeutralPreventing something from happening or going ahead; 「留め」 is a physical hold or fastening, or the finishing point of a brushstroke.
  • Synonym停止ていしNeutralStopping of machines, operations or business; 「留め」 centres on the thing held or fastened in place.
  • Synonym中止ちゅうしNeutralStopping or calling something off partway through; 「留め」 is not used for calling off events or activities.
  • Synonym休止きゅうしNeutralA pause or temporary halt in activity; 「留め」 is a stopper or fastening that holds something in place.
  • Synonym制止せいしNeutralHolding someone back from what they say or do; 「留め」 is mainly about fastening objects.
  • SynonymストップNeutralLoanword for stopping or coming to a halt; 「留め」 refers to a fastener or the end of a stroke.
  • RelatedブレーキNeutralLoanword for a brake, figuratively a check on progress; 「留め」 is a fastening or stop that holds things.
  • Antonym解除かいじょNeutralLifting a restriction or cancelling a contract — the reverse of the holding or stopping done by 「留め」.
  • Antonym外しNeutralTaking something off or unfastening it — the opposite of the fastening that 「留め」 describes.

Use 「留め」 for a physical fastener or stop, the end of a kanji stroke, or poste-restante mail. For things ceasing to run use 「停止」 or 「中止」, to prevent something 「阻止」, to check someone's behaviour 「制止」, to unfasten 「外し」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. 止とめるもの。止とめること。
  2. 漢字かんじを書かくときに線せんの終おわりを止とめること。またそうした部分ぶぶん。
  3. 物事ものごとのおわり。しまい。
  4. 芸能界げいのうかいで、看板かんばんやクレジットなどで最後さいごに書かかれる、最もっとも実力じつりょくのある人ひとの名前なまえ。
  5. 縫い糸ぬいいとの端はしに糸いとが抜ぬけないように作つくる結び目むすびめ。
  6. ふたつの木材もくざいがある角度かくどで出会であうとき、その角度かくどを折半せっぱんして継ぎ目つぎめを設もうける仕口しぐち。
  7. 止とめ名な。
  8. 生け花いけばなで下段げだんの役やく枝えだのこと。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android