止められない
tomerarenai
The English phrase 'unstoppable' can be translated into Japanese as 止められない (tomerarenai). If unsure, use 止められない. Wiktionary also lists 止め処ない (tomedonai).
Meaning: unable to be stopped (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 止められない | tomerarenai |
| 止め処ない | tomedonai |
Japanese uses different words for 'unstoppable' depending on whether you are describing a physical movement or an abstract feeling. 止められない describes a physical or literal inability to stop something, such as a person or a machine. For abstract or emotional concepts that are endless or irrepressible, such as grief or desire, use 止め処ない.
Which one should you use?
止められない is used for physical or literal situations where something cannot be stopped. In contrast, 止め処ない is used for abstract or emotional things that are 'unstoppable' in the sense of being unending or irrepressible.
How does it change in a sentence?
止められない is the plain/informal form.
How do you pronounce it?
tomerarenai
Did you know?
- The idiom 歯止めが利かない uses the word 歯止め, which refers to a physical 'tooth-stop' or chock block used to keep wheels from rolling. It describes an unstoppable situation as if a mechanical safety lock has failed.
- The verb 止まる can mean 'to reside' in classical Japanese. This creates a historical link between the idea of 'stopping' and the idea of 'making a home'.
- The word 処 in the formal term 止め処ない is a specialized kanji often used to indicate a place or a point where an action reaches its limit. In this context, it implies there is no 'place' or 'point' where the feeling can be halted.
Examples in context
- 止められない。It's unstoppable.This sentence is useful for stating that something is unstoppable using 止められない.Tatoeba #12656117 by urro, translation #12656118 by urro
- 君の彼女への止められない気持ちは、愛でなくて何だろう。If that unstoppable feeling you have for her isn't love, what else is it?This sentence uses 止められない to describe an unstoppable feeling toward someone.Tatoeba #6699241 by andresangelini, translation #6699247 by andresangelini
- 彼の意欲は止まらない。His enthusiasm is unstoppable.
- 彼女の進化は止まらない。Her evolution is unstoppable.
- 彼は不屈の精神を持っている。He possesses an indomitable spirit.
- この曲のリズムは止まんねえ！The rhythm of this song is unstoppable!
- 彼のパワーは止まんねえな。His power is unstoppable, man!
- 彼女の情熱は止められねぇみたいだ。It seems her passion is unstoppable.
- この勢い、止められねぇよ！This momentum is unstoppable!
- 彼の勢いは、もう止められない。Kare no ikioi wa, mou tomerarenai.His momentum is already unstoppable.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are watching a fast-paced sports match on TV.
- 結衣 Yuiあの選手の勢い、止められないね。Ano senshu no ikioi, tomerarenai ne.That player's momentum is unstoppable, isn't it?
- 健太 Kenta本当だ、すごいスピードだよ。Hontou da, sugoi supiido da yo.True, he is at a great speed.
- 結衣 Yui健太くんはどう思う？Kenta-kun wa dou omou?What do you think, Kenta?
- 健太 Kenta彼を止めるのは無理だと思う。Kare o tomeru no wa muri da to omou.I think it is impossible to stop him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unstoppable” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
