留下 liúxia to leave behind
to leave behind; to stay behind; to remain; to keep; not to let (somebody) go
How to remember 留下: 留 remain + 下 down = to leave behind.
Characters
How it is used
- Verb with resultative complement 下, meaning to leave something/someone behind so it stays in place.
- 他留下了一封信 (tā liúxiàle yī fēng xìn) - He left behind a letter.
- Very common set phrase: 留下印象 (leave an impression) - 这部电影给我留下了深刻的印象.
- Also used reflexively: 留下来 (stay behind, not leave) - 你能留下来吗 (can you stay)?
Example sentences
- 我不能留下。 Wǒ bùnéng liúxià.I can't stay.
- 我想要留下。 Wǒ xiǎngyào liúxià.I want to stay.
- 你为什么留下？ Nǐ wèishénme liúxià?Why did you stay?