Translation guide
To visit a place briefly, often on the way to somewhere else. Japanese uses different verbs depending on whether you are dropping in casually, stopping at a place along a route, or making a quick visit.
To visit a place informally and briefly, often without a fixed plan.
The most common and versatile verb for stopping by a place, especially on the way to or from somewhere else. Can be used for shops, homes, etc.
帰りにコンビニに寄る。
I'll stop by the convenience store on the way home.
Can I stop by my friend's house for a bit?
Slightly more formal than 寄る, often used for stopping by during a trip or while out. Implies a brief visit.
I stopped by my parents' house while on a business trip.
Literally 'to take a side trip', used when stopping by somewhere that is not on the direct route, often for fun.
I stopped by the bookstore on the way home from school.
To make a scheduled or necessary stop at a location while traveling.
To pay a short visit to someone's home or office, often for social reasons.
寄る is the everyday verb for stopping by. 立ち寄る is slightly more formal and often implies a deliberate stop during a trip or outing. In casual speech, 寄る is more common.
I'll stop by the supermarket.
We stopped by a hot spring during the trip.
The verb 止まる (とまる) means 'to stop' as in a vehicle halting, not visiting. Using it for 'stop by' would be incorrect.
Can we stop by the bank first?
I stopped by the office to pick up some documents.
Let's stop by a gas station on the way.
I was in the neighborhood, so I stopped by.