English–Japanese
“keep from leaving” in Japanese
Japanese
Pronunciation
Romajihikitomeru
Example
話を終えたくなくて、友達を引き止めました。hanashi o o e ta ku na ku te tomo dachi o hi ki to me ma shi ta
I did not want to end our conversation, so I kept my friend from leaving.
How to say “keep from leaving” in Japanese
“Keep from leaving” in Japanese is 引き止める (hikitomeru).
Describes keeping a person from leaving by making an appeal, starting a conversation, or otherwise holding their attention.
Example sentences with 引き止める
先生は質問のある学生を廊下で引き止めました。sen sei wa shitsu mon no a ru gaku sei o rō ka de hi ki to me ma shi ta
In the hallway, the teacher kept a student who had a question from leaving.
Tips for using 引き止める
- 引き止める (hikitomeru) can describe keeping a guest talking after a visit or asking a friend to stay longer, not only stopping someone at a doorway.