noun, suffix
Refers to a physical stop or end point, such as in carpentry joints, calligraphy stroke endings, or mechanical stops. Also used as a suffix in compound nouns.
この留め金は引き出しの留めとして使われている。
This catch is used as a stop for the drawer.
書道では、とめ、はね、はらいが基本です。
In calligraphy, stops, sweeps, and releases are fundamental.
noun, suffix
remaining; hold; poste restante
Used in postal contexts to indicate mail held for pickup, as in 郵便局留め (poste restante). Also appears in compounds like 預かり留め (held in custody).
荷物を郵便局留めで送ってもらえますか。
Could you send the package to be held at the post office?
noun, suffix
forty-five degree angle
Only when written 留め
Specific to the kanji 留め; refers to a 45-degree angle cut or joint, often in woodworking or construction. Rare standalone use; mostly in technical compounds.
留め継ぎは、木材を45度に切って接合する方法です。
A miter joint is a method of joining wood by cutting it at a 45-degree angle.
Nominalized form of verb 留める (とめる, 'to stop, to fasten'). The kanji 留 carries meanings of 'detain, fasten, halt', while 止め is used for the 'stop' sense specifically.