Translation guide
The English word 'staying' covers several distinct meanings: remaining in a place, lodging somewhere, or continuing in a state. This guide helps learners choose the most natural Japanese expression for each situation.
stay overnight
To stay somewhere, as in not departing or continuing to be present.
The most basic verb for 'to be/stay' for animate things. Use this for people or animals staying in a location.
Please stay here a little longer.
He is staying at home.
Means 'to remain' or 'stay behind' when others leave. Often used for staying after an event or staying in a place while others go.
A more formal or literary word for 'stay' or 'remain'. Often used in written language or formal speech.
To stay overnight or for a period at a hotel, someone's house, etc.
The standard verb for staying overnight at a place. Use for hotels, friends' houses, etc.
I stayed at a hotel.
Can I stay at your place?
A more formal term for 'stay' as in sojourn or temporary residence. Used for longer stays or in formal contexts.
I will stay in Japan for a week.
A polite expression meaning 'to be taken care of', often used when staying at someone's house. Implies gratitude.
I'll be staying with you tonight. (Thank you for having me.)
To remain in a certain state, such as staying calm, healthy, etc.
Pattern meaning 'to stay/remain as is'. Attach to nouns, na-adjectives, or past tense verbs.
Please stay as you are.
The window stayed open.
The te-iru form can express a continuing state. Often used with adjectives or verbs indicating a state.
I'm staying awake.
Means 'to maintain' or 'keep' a state. Used for staying calm, staying healthy, etc. Often in compound verbs.
泊まる is for overnight stays, typically short and casual. 滞在する is more formal and implies a longer sojourn, like a business trip or vacation stay.
Stay at a friend's house.
Stay at a hotel (formal).
いる is only for living things. For objects 'staying' in a place, use ある or other verbs like 置いてある.
私は最後まで残った。
I stayed until the end.
Only he stayed in the room.
現地にとどまる決断をした。
We decided to stay on site.
I'm staying quiet.
冷静さを保つ。
Stay calm.