This is the 290th most frequent Chinese word.


"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?