留まる
tomaru[to̞ma̠ɾɯ̟]
The English verb 'stay' can be translated into Japanese. The default form is 留まる (tomaru). Wiktionary also lists 残る (nokoru) and 宿泊する (shukuhaku suru).
Meaning: to remain in a particular place (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 留まる | tomaru | [to̞ma̠ɾɯ̟] (narrow) [to̞do̞ma̠ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 残る | nokoru | [no̞ko̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 宿泊する | shukuhaku suru |
In Japanese, the word used for 'stay' depends on whether you are remaining behind, staying in a specific position or staying overnight at a lodging.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the type of staying occurring: 留まる (tomaru) is used when a person or object stays in a specific position, state or fixed location. 残る (nokoru) is used when someone or something stays behind after others have left or moved on. 宿泊する (shukuhaku suru) is used specifically for staying overnight at a hotel, inn or similar lodging.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms provided for stay, including 留まる, 残る and 宿泊する, are all intransitive verbs, meaning they do not take a direct object.
How do you pronounce it?
tomaru
Did you know?
- The verb 留まる shares its root with the word for 'staple' or 'pin' (留め具), as both involve the action of fixing something firmly in one place so it cannot move.
- If you want to say you are 'staying' at a friend's house, you would rarely use 宿泊する (shukuhaku suru), as that term is strictly reserved for commercial lodging like hotels.
- When staying at a traditional Japanese inn, guests often encounter the word 泊まり (tomari). This noun form is frequently used in the phrase 一泊二日 (ippaku futsuka) to describe a 'one night, two days' trip.
Examples in context
- 君と一緒にここに残るよ。I'll stay here with you.This sentence is useful for expressing an intention to stay with someone using 残る.Tatoeba #8920182 by small_snow, translation #8920155 by CK
- ここに残るって決めたんだ。I've decided to stay here.This sentence is useful for expressing a decision to stay using 残る.Tatoeba #10470719 by small_snow, translation #8438724 by CK
- 放課後、クラブ活動に残る子供は多い。Many children stay after school for club activities.This sentence is useful for describing children who stay after school for activities using 残る.Tatoeba #82717 by bunbuku, translation #320999 by CK
- 友達の家に泊まるつもりです。I plan to stay at my friend's house.
- 彼のアパートに寝泊まりすることにしました。I decided to stay overnight at his apartment.
- 今度、京都に旅行に行くので、君の家に泊めてもらえないかな？I'm planning a trip to Kyoto. Can I stay at your place?
- 親戚の家にとまりに行くわ。I'm going to stay at my relative's house.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are talking about staying at a certain spot in the park.
- 美咲 Misakiここでしばらく留まることにしましょう。Koko de shibaraku todomaru koto ni shimashou.Let's stay here for a while.
- 陽太 Yotaいいですね。景色がとても綺麗です。Ii desu ne. Keshiki ga totemo kirei desu.That sounds good. The scenery is very beautiful.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くんは、ずっとここに留まりたいですか？Yota-kun wa, zutto koko ni todomaritai desu ka?Yota, do you want to stay here forever?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、心地いいので離れたくないです。Hai, kokochi ii node hanaretakunai desu.Yes, it feels so good that I don't want to leave.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stay” translations and entries 留まる, 残る, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
