Meaning and Usage
The verb "止む" (やむ) means "to stop" or "to cease," often used for natural phenomena like rain or wind, or for actions such as noise or talking. It is an intransitive verb, so it describes something stopping by itself.
Common Contexts
- Weather: "雨がやむ" (the rain stops) is a very common phrase.
- Illness or symptoms: "風邪がやまない" means symptoms persist and do not stop.
- Sounds or actions: "話がやむ" means the talking stops.
Collocations and Patterns
- "雨がやむ": rain stops
- "風がやむ": wind stops
- "騒音がやむ": noise ceases
- "話がやまない": talking doesn't stop (negative form)
Nuances and Tips
"止む" is often used for natural or uncontrollable events stopping on their own. It is different from "止める" which is transitive and means to stop something intentionally. Learners often confuse these two verbs; remember "止む" is intransitive and describes something stopping by itself.
Use "止む" in polite or casual contexts, but it is more common in neutral or formal speech when describing weather or natural events.