扣留 kòuliú to detain somebody
to detain somebody; to hold somebody against their will; to withhold (property, documents, funds etc)
How to remember 扣留: 扣 to detain + 留 remain = to detain somebody.
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How it is used
- To detain or withhold against someone's will - 扣留证件 (kòuliú zhèngjiàn) hold back sb's documents, 扣留嫌疑人 detain a suspect.
- Emphasizes keeping/holding back; near-synonym of 扣押, which stresses the act of seizing.