What's the difference among [停]{と}める、[止]{と}める、and [留]{と}める?


How are they different in meaning and usage? I also would like to see samples
of how each can be used in a sentence.




Since you said your Japanese isn't yet strong enough, I'll write here what the
sites pointed to in the comments to your question have to say.

停める This is "to stop" like a train or bus at a station or bus stop. The
general sense is to stop briefly before moving on. So, for example, you could
use it to say something like "I stopped to unload my groceries."

留める has a more abstract meaning. To fasten something so it doesn't move.

止める is the general notion of stopping something from moving.

On [the site pointed to by broccoli
forest](http://www3.u-toyama.ac.jp/niho/kanjien/iji_dokun_v/tomaru_tomeru.html),
there are various examples provided:

Translations of the first three examples for 止める are

  1. バスが止まる。 The bus stops.
  2. 時計が止まっている。 My watch has stopped.
  3. 息が止まるぐらい驚いた。 I was so surprised that I caught my breath.

Translations for the first three examples for 留める

  1. これはネジで留まっているので、ドライバーが必要だ。 I need a screwdriver because it's fastened with a screw.
  2. 日々、目に留まった風景をデジカメで撮っている。 Each day, I snap pictures of the scenery that catches (stops) my eye.
  3. シャツのボタンを留める。 I fasten the buttons on my shirt.

There's also 泊める which has the sense of staying some place.

  1. 駅前のホテルに泊まった。 We stayed at the hotel by the station.
  2. いつでも泊まりに来てください。 Please drop by whenever.
  3. 大型の船が港に泊まっている。 The freighter has dropped anchor in the bay.

