留める

• Reading: とどめる
• Romaji: todomeru
• Kanji breakdown: 留 (tome/ryū) — stop, stay, fasten, retain
• Pronunciation: /to.do.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To stop; to keep in place; to confine; to limit; to retain. Implies preventing movement or change.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb. 留める encompasses several related senses: physically fastening (ボタンを留める — to fasten a button), keeping something from leaving or changing (視線を留める — to fix one's gaze), and limiting (記憶に留める — to commit to memory, to keep in mind). Its range of meanings makes it broadly useful in formal writing. Note the distinction from 止める (tomeru — to stop movement/operation, a more active cessation).

Examples

1. 彼の言葉は、長く私の心に深く留まった。 His words remained deeply lodged in my heart for a long time.
2. 羽織の前を金具で留め、寒風に備えた。 He fastened the front of his haori with a clasp and prepared against the cold wind.
3. 被害を最小限に留めるために、早期の対処が不可欠だ。 Early action is essential to keep the damage to a minimum.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, formal writing, clothing, management

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 留 (ryū/tome — to stay, to remain, to fasten). The character depicts a field with a boundary, suggesting something held in place. Related to 留守 (rusu — absence, being away from home).

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal