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保留
bǎo liú
to retain, to reserve, to keep
我们决定保留这个房间以备不时之需。
We decided to keep this room in reserve for emergencies.
general
To keep something for future use or consideration; to retain.
请保留您的收据以备退货。
Please keep your receipt for returns.
Often used in formal or administrative contexts.
general
To reserve or hold something for a specific purpose.
他保留了最后的决定权。
He reserved the final decision-making power.
Can imply maintaining control or authority.
Law
formal
To abstain from voting or expressing an opinion.
在投票时，他选择了保留。
During the vote, he chose to abstain.
Common in legal or political contexts.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Use
In formal contexts, 保留 often implies a deliberate or official retention, while in everyday speech, it can simply mean 'to keep.'
Gold Rule
Legal Context
In legal or political settings, 保留 typically means abstaining from a decision or vote, not just keeping something.
Word Origin
From 保 (bǎo, to protect) + 留 (liú, to stay). The compound word emphasizes the act of keeping something intact or in reserve.
Usage Notes
In formal contexts, 保留 can imply a temporary or conditional retention. In legal or political settings, it often means abstaining from a decision or vote.
Word Breakdown
保
to protect
root留
to stay
root汉英词典