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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to retain' with 保留 (bǎoliú)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    保留 + Object

    Explanation

    保留 (bǎoliú) means 'to retain,' 'to keep,' or 'to reserve.' It describes the action of holding onto something rather than giving it up or discarding it. It is used for both concrete objects and abstract concepts like rights, opinions, or positions.

    Examples

    • 这些旧照片我一直保留着，舍不得扔。

      zhè xiē jiù zhào piàn wǒ yī zhí bǎo liú zhe, shě bù dé rēng.

      I've kept these old photos all along; I can't bear to throw them away.

    • 关于这个方案，我保留自己的意见。

      guān yú zhè ge fāng àn, wǒ bǎo liú zì jǐ de yì jiàn.

      Regarding this proposal, I reserve my own opinion.

    • 请保留好你的购物小票，方便退换货。

      qǐng bǎo liú hǎo nǐ de gòu wù xiǎo piào, fāng biàn tuì huàn huò.

      Please keep your shopping receipt for easy returns or exchanges.

    Expressing 'to retain' with 保留 (bǎoliú) | Chinese Grammar