This is the 290th most frequent Chinese word.

More Chinese resources.


"Leave behind," "stay," or "retain."


In this sentence, '留' means to let grow or keep, as in maintaining long hair.

我想留长头发。

I want to grow long hair.


Here, '留' indicates staying back or being made to remain in a location, in this case, school.

他被老师留在学校完成作业。

He was made to stay at school by the teacher to complete his homework.


In this context, '留' is used to mean leaving information or a message for someone.

你能帮我把电话号码留给他吗?

Can you help me leave my phone number with him?