取り止める

• Reading: とりやめる
• Romaji: toriyameru
• Kanji breakdown: 取 (tori/shu) — take; 止 (ya/shi) — stop, cease
• Pronunciation: /to.ɾi.ja.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To cancel; to call off; to abandon a plan or action that was in progress.

A Group 2 (ichidan) compound verb from 取り (tori) + 止める (yameru — to stop, to cease). 取り止める is used for formal or official cancellation of events, plans, or announced actions. It is slightly more formal than simply 止める or キャンセルする and implies a deliberate decision to halt something that had already been put in motion. Common in official announcements, journalism, and business communication.

Examples

1. 悪天候のため、予定していた野外コンサートを取り止めることになった。 Due to bad weather, the outdoor concert that had been planned was called off.
2. 詳細が明らかになるにつれ、委員会は計画の取り止めを決定した。 As details came to light, the committee decided to cancel the plan.
3. 記者会見は急遽取り止められ、代わりに書面でコメントが発表された。 The press conference was abruptly cancelled, and a written comment was issued in its place.

Usage Guide

Context: business, events, journalism, official communication

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

取り (tori — general action prefix) + 止める (yameru — to stop, cease, from 止 meaning stop). 止める here carries the sense of bringing something to a definitive halt, reinforced by the 取り prefix.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults (professional)

Social background: Professional