Meaning and Usage
The verb 泊める (とめる) means "to have someone stay overnight" or "to let someone stay" at a place, typically a house or accommodation. It is a transitive verb, so it requires a direct object — the person who is being allowed to stay.
Common Contexts
This verb is often used when talking about hosting friends, relatives, or guests overnight. It can also be used in more formal or casual contexts depending on the setting.
Collocations and Patterns
- 家に泊める (いえにとめる): to let someone stay at one’s house
- 友達を泊める (ともだちをとめる): to have a friend stay overnight
- 泊めてもらう: to be allowed to stay overnight (passive/request form)
Register and Nuance
泊める is neutral in politeness but is more common in casual or everyday conversation. When speaking politely, people might use 泊まらせる or other expressions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 泊める (to let someone stay) with 止める (to stop). Although they share the same reading とめる, their meanings and kanji differ. Pay attention to context and kanji to avoid confusion.