verb HSK 4
to retain · to reserve · to keep · to preserve
Meaning
保留 means to keep or retain something, whether it's a physical item, an opinion, a right, or a tradition. It implies deliberately maintaining or preserving something rather than discarding or changing it. The word suggests conscious choice to hold onto something.
Usage
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Frequently appears in phrases like 保留意见 (to reserve one's opinion) or 保留权利 (to reserve the right). Can refer to keeping physical objects, maintaining customs, or withholding judgment. Often used in legal, business, and diplomatic contexts.
Examples
- 01我对这个计划保留意见。.I reserve my opinion on this plan.
- 02这座城市保留了很多古老的建筑。.This city has preserved many ancient buildings.
Characters
Common collocations
- 保留意见to reserve one's opinion
- 保留权利to reserve the right
- 保留传统to preserve tradition
- 保留节目signature program/act
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 保 (to protect/keep) and 留 (to remain/stay), creating a compound meaning of actively keeping or maintaining something in its current state.