The different notion of stop between kanji 止 (shi/tei) and 停 (tei)

The kanji 止 (shi/tei) and 停 (tei) are often confused by Japanese learners as they both convey the idea of stopping or interruption. However, they have distinct nuances and uses that are important to master.

The Kanji 止 (shi/tei)

Main Readings:

• On'yomi: シ (shi)
• Kun'yomi: と-まる (tomaru), と-める (tomeru), や-む (yamu)

Fundamental Meaning: To stop, cease, come to a halt

The kanji 止 expresses the action of stopping completely or ceasing an activity. It generally implies a definitive stop or total interruption. This is why on Japanese roads the word 止まれ (tomare) is painted at stop signs: it gives a direct and simple order to drivers to stop completely before moving again, rather than indicating a scheduled or programmed stop.

Usage Examples:

The Kanji 停 (tei)

Main Readings:

• On'yomi: テイ (tei)
• Kun'yomi: と-まる (tomaru), と-める (tomeru)

Fundamental Meaning: To park, make a temporary halt

The kanji 停 expresses the idea of a temporary stop or station. It often suggests that the stop is only provisional and there will be a resumption. For this reason, it is commonly seen in transportation and official contexts such as bus stops, station stops, or system suspensions.

Usage Examples:

Key Points to Distinguish the Two

Nature of the Stop

• 止 → Immediate and complete stop (e.g. an order on a stop sign)
• 停 → Temporary stop or parking within a system or schedule

Usage Context

• 止 is more often used for prohibitions, cessations, or direct commands like road signs
• 停 is more frequent in transportation contexts and scheduled stops

Contrasting Examples

Memory Tip

To remember the difference, think that:

• 止 looks like a foot that stops abruptly on a line, like a road stop sign
• 停 contains the person radical (亻) who takes a break or parks somewhere