つなぎ止める

• Reading: つなぎとめる
• Romaji: tsunagitomeru
• Kanji breakdown: 止める (tomeru) — to stop, to keep fixed in place
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.na.ɡi.to.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To tie down; to keep in place; to retain; to hold on to something or someone so they do not drift away.

A Group 2 (ichidan) compound verb combining つなぐ (to connect, to tether) and 止める (to stop, to hold in place). Used both literally — tying a boat to a dock — and figuratively — retaining employees, maintaining customer loyalty, or keeping a relationship intact. Implies active effort to prevent loss or departure.

Examples

1. 優秀な人材をつなぎ止めるために待遇を改善した。 They improved working conditions to retain talented employees.
2. 嵐が来る前に船を岸につなぎ止めた。 Before the storm arrived, they tied the boat down at the shore.
3. 彼女の言葉がかろうじて彼をその場につなぎ止めた。 Her words barely managed to hold him in place.

Usage Guide

Context: business, relationships, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From つなぐ (to connect, to tether) and 止める (to stop, to hold fixed). The compound vividly suggests securing something with a cord so that it cannot drift free.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal