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.
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.
スーパーに寄るね。
I'll stop by the supermarket.
旅行中に温泉に立ち寄った。
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.
先に銀行に寄ってもいい？
Can we stop by the bank first?
書類を取りにオフィスに立ち寄りました。
I stopped by the office to pick up some documents.
帰りにコンビニに寄る。
I'll stop by the convenience store on the way home.
ちょっと友達の家に寄っていい？
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.
出張のついでに実家に立ち寄った。
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.
学校の帰りに本屋に寄り道した。
I stopped by the bookstore on the way home from school.
Used for planned stops during a journey, such as at a service area or tourist spot.
観光地に立ち寄ってからホテルに向かいます。
We'll stop by a sightseeing spot before heading to the hotel.
Also works for route stops, but is more casual than 立ち寄る.
途中でガソリンスタンドに寄ろう。
Let's stop by a gas station on the way.
Literally 'to show one's face', meaning to make a brief appearance or visit, often at a social gathering or to say hello.
パーティーにちょっと顔を出すつもりです。
I plan to stop by the party for a bit.
Can be used for social visits, but is less specific than 顔を出す.
近くに来たので、ちょっと寄りました。
I was in the neighborhood, so I stopped by.