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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.

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