保留 bǎoliú to keep
to keep; to retain; to have reservations (about something); to hold back (from saying something); to put aside for later
How to remember 保留: 保 to protect + 留 remain = to keep.
Characters
How it is used
- To retain/keep back, and to reserve one's stance - 保留意见 (bǎoliú yìjiàn) to reserve one's opinion; 保留座位 (bǎoliú zuòwèi) to hold a seat.
- Implies keeping part of something back rather than giving it all, or preserving a right.
- Contrast 保存 (bǎocún, preserve physically) - 保留 often carries the nuance of holding back or reserving.
Example sentences
- 请保留我的位置 Qǐng bǎoliú wǒ de wèizhìPlease save my place.