保存

• Pinyin: bǎo cún
• Hanzi breakdown: 保 = 亻(person) + 呆 (phonetic), meaning protect; 存 = 子 (child) + 才 (just), meaning to store or exist

Meaning

To preserve; to save; to keep. To store something so it remains intact or usable.

Used for both digital contexts (saving files) and physical ones (preserving food, keeping documents). Also used for cultural preservation. Differs from 保持 in that 保存 emphasises storage rather than maintaining a state.

Examples

1. 记得把文件保存好再关电脑。 Remember to save the file before turning off the computer.
2. 这些水果要放冰箱里保存。 These fruits need to be kept in the refrigerator.
3. 博物馆保存了很多珍贵的文物。 The museum has preserved many precious cultural relics.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, food, culture

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 这个文件很重要，请好好保存。(This file is important — please save it carefully.)
• 茶叶要在干燥的地方保存。(Tea should be stored in a dry place.)

Don't Say

• 保存我的心情 (Don't use 保存 for abstract feelings — it's for physical items and digital data. Use 保持 for states of being)

Origin & History

Compound of 保 (to keep, protect) and 存 (to store, exist), meaning to keep something stored and safe.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal