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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to stay' or 'to remain' with 留 (liú)

    Actions & Events
    Location & Position

    Structure

    Subject + 留 + (在 + Place)

    Explanation

    The verb 留 (liú) means "to stay," "to remain," or "to keep," expressing the idea of someone or something staying in a place or being kept behind. It can also mean "to leave behind" something for someone. It is a versatile verb used in many common phrases and compounds.

    Examples

    • 你先走吧，我留在这里等他。

      nǐ xiān zǒu ba, wǒ liú zài zhèlǐ děng tā.

      You go ahead first, I'll stay here and wait for him.

    • 请留一份资料给我，谢谢。

      qǐng liú yí fèn zīliào gěi wǒ, xièxie.

      Please leave a copy of the materials for me, thank you.

    • 他决定留在北京工作，不回老家了。

      tā juédìng liú zàiběijīng gōngzuò, bù huí lǎojiā le.

      He decided to stay in Beijing to work and not go back to his hometown.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing 'to stay' or 'to remain' with 留 (liú) | Chinese Grammar