Quick answer
留 is the kanji for "to halt". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is と.める (tomeru). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
to halt
Also : to stop · to detain · to fasten
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
10 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 留 represents 'DETAIN'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of detain.
On-reading: りゅう — remember this sound by associating it with detain. Kun-reading: と.める.
Example Sentences
海外留学を経験しました。
かいがいりゅうがくをけいけんしました。
I experienced studying abroad.
留守の間に荷物が届きました。
るすのあいだにもつがとどきました。
A package arrived while I was away.
Vocabulary using 留
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 22, 2026
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