How to Say ‘Stop (the ball)’ in Japanese
とめます
tome masu
[toh-meh mahs]
💬 Usage Tip: Polite form of [とめる]. In fast play, coaches shorten to [止めろ！] (strong) or [止めて！] (softer).
🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese coaches often adjust command strength by situation—softer in practice, stronger during intense moments.
Phrase Breakdown
とめ
tome
[toh-meh]
stop (polite stem)
とめ is the stem of とめる. It combines with ます to make a polite verb form used in instruction.
足のうらでとめます。
(We) stop it with the sole of the foot.
ます
masu
[mahs]
(polite ending)
ます makes the verb polite: とめます = “(I/we) stop (it).” Common in coach explanations/demonstrations.
やさしくとめます。
(We) stop it gently.
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