保留
bǎo líu HSK 5

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

我保留了我的旧照片。
Wǒ bǎoliú le wǒ de jiù zhàopiàn.
I kept my old photos.
请保留这个座位。
Qǐng bǎoliú zhè gè zuòwèi.
Please reserve this seat.
他保留了原来的想法。
Tā bǎoliú le yuánlái de xiǎngfǎ.
He maintained his original idea.
我保留意见。
Wǒ bǎoliú yìjiàn.
I reserve my opinion.
他保留了证据。
Tā bǎoliúle zhèngjù.
He retained the evidence.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 保 (bǎo) as 'protect' and 留 (liú) as 'stay' or 'remain'—combined, they mean to 'protect something to make it remain,' like preserving old buildings so they stay part of the city.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and common in both spoken and written Chinese. It is frequently used in contexts like cultural heritage (preserving buildings/traditions), legal or administrative settings (retaining rights or records), and everyday situations (reserving seats or opinions).

📖 Grammar Points

保留 can be used as a transitive verb followed by an object (e.g., 保留传统). It can also be used in the pattern '把 + object + 保留下来' to emphasize the act of preservation (e.g., 把这些照片保留下来).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 保留 is often associated with respecting and maintaining historical heritage, such as ancient architecture or traditional customs, reflecting a value placed on continuity and historical identity.

🔄 Similar Words

保存 (bǎocún) also means 'to preserve' but often focuses on protecting something from damage over time (e.g.,保存食物 - preserve food). 保留 emphasizes keeping something unchanged or in existence, sometimes with a sense of reservation (e.g., 保留权利 - reserve rights).

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