Japanese word

よす

Pronunciation

Romajiyosu

Meaning

  • verbstop

Example

その冗談はもうよしてください。so no jō dan wa mō yo shi te ku da sa i

Please stop joking now.

Illustration for よす (stop)

More examples

今日は甘い物をよすことにします。kyō wa ama i mono o yo su ko to ni shi ma su

I will give up sweets today.

Core concept

It describes ending an action or effort instead of carrying it on.

Common phrases

  • 冗談はよしてjō dan wa yo shi te

    stop joking

  • からかうのはよしてka ra ka u no wa yo shi te

    stop teasing

Similar words

やめるyameru: To stop an action, habit, or activity, or to leave a role.
控えるhikaeru: To refrain from doing something or to limit its amount.
取りやめるtoriyameru: To cancel a planned event or action before it happens.
思いとどまるomoitodomaru: To decide not to do something after considering it.

Definition in Japanese

行動や努力を続けるのをやめる。kō dō ya do ryoku o tsuzu ke ru no o ya me ru

Word origin

The verb よす (yosu, "to stop") is a native Japanese word, and 止す (yosu, "to stop") is a spelling that reflects its meaning; its earlier history is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In conversational dialogue, よして (yoshite) can address a person directly and is commonly used when an action or remark has gone too far.

Other meanings

  • give upverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word