留 (liú) - to remain & to stay

留Tone 2

liú ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

林伦

留 · liú

to remain;

to stay;

to keep;

to retain;

to leave behind;

to reserve.

to remainto stayto keep

Usage highlights

Stay behindLeave a messageReservationRemain in one's memoryStudy abroadKeep for future use

Synonyms

  • 存— to store; to save
  • 驻— to be stationed; to halt
  • 保留— to retain; to reserve

Antonyms

  • 去— to go; to leave
  • 走— to leave; to go away
  • 弃— to abandon; to discard

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please stay for dinner (请留下来吃饭).
  • Leave some food for your brother (给你弟弟留点吃的).
  • He left a note on the table (他在桌上留了一张纸条).
  • This job has no room for error (这个工作不容有失).

Collocations

  • Stay behind(留下)
  • Leave a message(留言)
  • Reservation(保留)
  • Remain in one's memory(留念)
  • Study abroad(留学)
  • Keep for future use(留用)

Idioms

  • Leave a way of escape for someone(留有余地)
  • Leave behind a stink for ten thousand years(遗臭万年)
  • Keep the green hills, no fear of no firewood(留得青山在，不怕没柴烧)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 留 embodies the concept of preservation and continuity, highly valued in Chinese culture.
  • In historical context, 'leaving behind' knowledge, legacy, or descendants was considered a key virtue.
  • The idiom '留得青山在，不怕没柴烧' emphasizes the wisdom of strategic preservation for long-term success.

FAQ