保留

• Pinyin: bǎo liú
• Hanzi breakdown: 保 = 亻(person) + 呆 (phonetic), meaning protect; 留 = 卯 (phonetic) + 田 (field), meaning to stay

Meaning

To retain; to reserve; to keep. To hold onto something without giving it up or changing it.

Used for keeping opinions (保留意见), reserving rights, retaining traditions, or keeping items. Implies a deliberate choice not to discard or change something. Also used in the phrase 有所保留 (with reservations).

Examples

1. 这个传统我们应该保留下来。 We should preserve this tradition.
2. 对于他的计划，我保留自己的意见。 I'm keeping my own opinion about his plan.
3. 请保留好你的收据，以后可能需要。 Please keep your receipt — you may need it later.

Usage Guide

Context: discussion, tradition, practical

Tone: measured

Do Say

• 我对这个决定保留意见。(I have reservations about this decision.)
• 这些老照片一定要好好保留。(These old photos must be carefully kept.)

Don't Say

• 保留这个人在公司 (Don't use 保留 for keeping people in a position — use 留住 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 保 (to keep) and 留 (to stay, retain), together meaning to keep and not let go.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal