Meaning and Usage
"停止" (ていし) means to stop, suspend, or interrupt an action or process. It is often used in formal or technical contexts such as transportation, machinery, or official procedures.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "停止" used with vehicles (like trains or cars), machines, or services that have stopped functioning. It can also describe stopping an activity or operation temporarily or permanently.
Collocations and Patterns
- 停止する: to stop or suspend something
- 一時停止: temporary stop, often used in traffic or procedural contexts
- 運転停止: stopping operation (e.g., of a machine or vehicle)
Nuances
"停止" implies a deliberate or official stop, not just a casual pause. It is more formal than words like "やめる" (to quit) or "止まる" (to stop by itself).
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "停止" with "中止" (ちゅうし), which means cancellation. "停止" is stopping or suspending, but the activity might resume later, while "中止" usually means the activity is canceled and will not continue.