A2 Collocation Neutre 2 min de lecture

保留

To retain/reserve

Littéralement: Keep/Protect + Remain/Stay

Use `保留` when you want to keep something original, save a right, or politely hold back an opinion.

En 15 secondes

  • To keep something as it is without changing it.
  • Used for physical objects, rights, opinions, or traditions.
  • A polite way to hold back or save something for later.

Signification

Think of it as keeping something exactly as it is without changing or throwing it away. It's like saving a seat, keeping an old tradition, or holding back a secret weapon.

Exemples clés

3 sur 6
1

At a historic site

这个古老的建筑保留得很好。

This ancient building is well preserved.

🤝
2

In a business meeting

我保留我的意见。

I reserve my opinion.

💼
3

Texting a friend about a receipt

发票一定要保留好。

Make sure to keep the receipt.

😊
🌍

Contexte culturel

The phrase reflects the traditional Chinese value of 'Zhongyong' or the Golden Mean. By 'reserving' an opinion or a right, one avoids direct conflict while maintaining their stance. It is also frequently used today in the context of urban planning, where people debate which old 'Hutongs' to retain versus modernize.

💡

The 'Polite No'

If someone asks for your thoughts on a bad idea, say `我保留意见`. It sounds professional rather than mean.

⚠️

Not for Pets!

Don't use `保留` for animals. If you 'retain' a dog, it sounds like you're keeping it in a lab. Use `养` (yǎng) instead.

En 15 secondes

  • To keep something as it is without changing it.
  • Used for physical objects, rights, opinions, or traditions.
  • A polite way to hold back or save something for later.

What It Means

保留 is all about keeping things in their original state. It is like hitting the 'save' button on a document or a memory. You use it when you don't want to change, delete, or lose something valuable. It can be physical objects or abstract ideas like opinions.

How To Use It

Use it as a verb. You can 保留 a receipt just in case. You can 保留 your opinion if you disagree but want to be polite. It often follows a direct object. Just say what you are keeping right after the word. It is a very flexible and 'safe' word to use.

When To Use It

Use it when you are traveling and want to keep your ticket. Use it in business to say you 'reserve the right' to do something. It works great when talking about history or old buildings. If you are playing a game, you might 保留 your best move for the end. It sounds smart and clear.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it for 'keeping' a promise; use 遵守 for that. Don't use it for 'keeping' a pet; use instead. It’s not for physical 'holding' like holding a bag. If you are keeping a secret, 保守 is usually a better fit than 保留. Avoid it if the 'keeping' is just a temporary physical grip.

Cultural Background

Chinese culture values 'saving face' and moderation. Sometimes, 保留 is used to be polite. Instead of saying 'you are wrong,' someone might say they 保留意见 (reserve their opinion). This keeps the peace while showing they don't agree. It’s a classic way to navigate tricky social waters without being rude.

Common Variations

保留地 refers to a reservation (like for land). 毫无保留 means 'without any reservation' or 'giving your all.' You might hear this in love songs or motivational speeches. It means you aren't holding anything back. It’s the ultimate sign of trust and sincerity.

Notes d'usage

It is a very safe, mid-level word. The biggest 'gotcha' is using it for digital saving (use `保存`) or booking a table (use `预订`). Otherwise, if you want to 'keep' something as it is, `保留` is your best friend.

💡

The 'Polite No'

If someone asks for your thoughts on a bad idea, say `我保留意见`. It sounds professional rather than mean.

⚠️

Not for Pets!

Don't use `保留` for animals. If you 'retain' a dog, it sounds like you're keeping it in a lab. Use `养` (yǎng) instead.

💬

Total Honesty

The phrase `毫无保留` (háo wú bǎo liú) is a powerful way to tell a partner or best friend you are hiding nothing.

Exemples

6
#1 At a historic site
🤝

这个古老的建筑保留得很好。

This ancient building is well preserved.

Here it describes maintaining the original state of a physical structure.

#2 In a business meeting
💼

我保留我的意见。

I reserve my opinion.

A polite way to say you don't agree without starting an argument.

#3 Texting a friend about a receipt
😊

发票一定要保留好。

Make sure to keep the receipt.

A common everyday instruction for keeping important papers.

#4 A coach talking to a player
😊

你在比赛中要保留体力。

You need to save your energy during the match.

Using the word to mean 'saving' or 'holding back' resources.

#5 A humorous warning to a friend
😄

我对你的厨艺保留看法。

I'm reserving judgment on your cooking skills.

A funny, slightly sarcastic way to say you're skeptical.

#6 Expressing deep trust
💭

我对你毫无保留。

I have no reservations with you.

An emotional way to say you are being 100% honest and open.

Teste-toi

Choose the best word to complete the sentence about keeping a tradition.

我们要___传统的节日习俗。

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 保留

`保留` is the best fit for 'retaining' or 'keeping' customs and traditions.

How do you say you are keeping your receipt?

我会___这张发票。

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 保留

`保留` is used for keeping physical items like receipts or tickets for future use.

🎉 Score : /2

Aides visuelles

Formality of 保留

Casual

Keeping a movie ticket stub.

保留电影票

Neutral

Retaining a habit or style.

保留习惯

Formal

Reserving legal rights or opinions.

保留追究的权利

When to use 保留

保留 (Retain/Reserve)
🏛️

History

Preserving old towns

🤐

Social

Holding back an opinion

🧾

Daily Life

Saving a receipt

Sports

Saving energy

Questions fréquentes

11 questions

Sort of! It means 'save' in the sense of 'keep,' like 保留发票 (save the receipt), but not 'save' like 'rescue' ().

Usually, we use 保存 (bǎocún) for saving digital files. 保留 is more about keeping the status or the existence of something.

Yes, it's very common. For example, 保留好你的门票 (Keep your tickets safe) is a normal thing to text a friend.

保持 (bǎochí) is about maintaining a state like 保持安静 (keep quiet), while 保留 is about not losing or changing something.

You use the four-character phrase 毫无保留 (háo wú bǎo liú). It’s very common in heartfelt conversations.

No, for that you should use 预订 (yùdìng). 保留 would be used if the restaurant 'retains' its original decor.

It is neutral. It works in legal documents but also when you're talking about keeping your old childhood toys.

Generally no. You don't 'retain' a person unless you are talking about 'retaining talent' in a company context (保留人才).

It means 'reserve the right.' You'll see this at the bottom of websites or in contracts: 保留所有权利 (All rights reserved).

You can, but 保守秘密 is the standard phrase for keeping a secret. 保留 sounds more like you are keeping information for later use.

Often, yes. It is frequently used when talking about keeping old traditions, buildings, or habits alive.

Expressions liées

保存

To save/preserve (often digital or physical storage)

保持

To maintain/keep up (a state or speed)

留着

To keep/save (very casual, spoken)

预留

To set aside/reserve in advance

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