止めないでください
tomenaide kudasai
The English phrase "please don't stop" is translated into Japanese as 止めないでください (tomenaide kudasai).
止めないでください is used when requesting that a continuous action or process, such as someone speaking or music playing, should not be interrupted. If you wish to express a stronger sense of pleading, you can add どうか (dōka) to the phrase, which means "please" or "I implore you".
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the request more casual or informal, you can drop the kudasai from the end of the phrase to say 止めないで. Additionally, if you wish to change the meaning from "please don't stop" to the affirmative "please stop", you would use 止めてください.
How do you pronounce it?
tomenaide kudasai
Did you know?
- The word ください (kudasai) is actually the imperative form of the verb 'to give', meaning you are literally asking someone to 'give' you the act of not stopping.
- In high-pressure social situations, Japanese speakers may avoid the direct negative request 止めないでください and instead use a phrase like このままで (kono mama de) to suggest things stay as they are.
- The word 止める (tomeru) is a homophone for several other words, including one that means 'to quit a habit'. Depending on the context, 止めないで could be interpreted as 'please don't quit' regarding a hobby or a job.
Examples in context
- 音楽を止めないでください。Ongaku o tomenaide kudasai.Please don't stop the music.
- 作業を止めないでくださいね。Sagyou o tomenaide kudasai ne.Please don't stop the work, okay?
Example conversation
Kenta is enjoying a massage given by Himari.
- 健太 Kentaそこ、気持ちいいです。止めないでください。Soko, kimochi ii desu. Tomenaide kudasai.That feels good. Please don't stop.
- 陽葵 Himariわかりました。そのまま続けますね。Wakarimashita. Sono mama tsuzukemasu ne.I understand. I'll keep going as is.
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます、陽葵さん。Arigatō gozaimasu, Himari-san.Thank you, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himariゆっくりリラックスしてください。Yukkuri rirakkusu shite kudasai.Please just relax.
