滞留 zhìliú to remain in (a place)
(of a person) to remain in (a place) (due to circumstances that prevent one leaving); to be stranded; (of something that would typically dissipate, e.g. floodwater, pollutants) to remain; to linger
How to remember 滞留: 滞 to block + 留 remain = to remain in (a place).
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How it is used
- Means to be stranded / stuck in a place - 旅客滞留机场 (lǚkè zhìliú jīchǎng) passengers stranded at the airport.
- Implies being unable to leave due to circumstances (weather, delays), not choosing to stay.
- Also for substances lingering where they'd normally clear - 积水滞留 (standing water remaining).