時間を止める
jikan o tomeru
To say 'stop time' in Japanese, use 時間を止める (jikan o tomeru).
The phrase refers to causing the progression of time to cease, a concept frequently encountered in science fiction or fantasy contexts. While 時間を止める is a common way to express this, you may encounter the more poetic or dramatic version 時を止める in literature or song lyrics.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 時間 (jikan), meaning 'time' or 'a period of time', followed by the particle を (o), which marks 'time' as the direct object. The verb 止める (tomeru) means 'to stop' or 'to halt' something in motion.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that time was stopped in the past, use the past tense form 時間を止めた. To issue a command or make a request to stop time, you can use the te-form 時間を止めて.
How do you pronounce it?
jikan o tomeru
Did you know?
- The word 時間 (jikan) is composed of two kanji: 時 meaning 'hour' or 'time' and 間 meaning 'space' or 'interval', literally describing time as the space between moments.
- If you use the verb 止まる (tomaru) instead of 止める (tomeru), the meaning shifts from an intentional act of stopping time to time simply 'stopping' on its own. Using the wrong one could make it sound like you are describing a natural phenomenon rather than a superpower.
- In romantic contexts, a person might use the phrase 時を止めて not to perform magic, but to express a sentimental wish for a precious moment to never end.
Examples in context
- もしも時間を止めることができたら、何をしますか？If you could stop time, what would you do?
- 理論上では時間を止めることは不可能です。In theory, it is impossible to stop time.
- 魔法で時間を止める。Mahou de jikan o tomeru.Stop time with magic.
- その能力は、時間を止めるものだった。Sono nouryoku wa, jikan o tomeru mono datta.That ability was one that stops time.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new fantasy anime.
- 陽太 Yota主人公は時間を止める能力を持っているんだ。Shujinkou wa jikan o tomeru nouryoku o motte iru nda.The protagonist has the ability to stop time.
- 美咲 Misakiそれはすごくかっこいい能力だね。Sore wa sugoku kakkoii nouryoku dane.That is a very cool ability.
- 陽太 Yota美咲なら、時間を止める能力が欲しい？Misaki nara, jikan o tomeru nouryoku ga hoshii?Misaki, would you want the ability to stop time?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、もっとゆっくり過ごしたいから。Un, motto yukkuri sugoshitai kara.Yes, because I want to take things more slowly.
