停止 tíngzhǐ to stop
to stop; to halt; to cease
How to remember 停止: 停 stop + 止 to stop = to stop.
Characters
How it is used
- A formal verb meaning "to stop/cease" a process or activity - 停止营业 (tíngzhǐ yíngyè) to stop business/close down, 停止呼吸 to stop breathing.
- Takes an abstract or ongoing activity as its object, not a moving vehicle - for that use 停 alone or 停车.
- More written/serious than everyday 停 (tíng); in casual speech people just say 别 + verb + 了, e.g. 别说了 stop talking, rather than 停止说话.
Example sentences
- 请即刻停止。 Qǐng jíkè tíngzhǐ.Please stop that right now.
- 停止大声说话。 Tíngzhǐ dàshēng shuōhuà.Stop talking loudly.
- 你必须停止吸烟。 Nǐ bìxū tíngzhǐ xīyān.You must stop smoking.