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A2 verb #1,500 am häufigsten 9 Min. Lesezeit

留下

liúxià Top 1,500

At the A1 level, '留下' (liúxià) is primarily used in very simple, concrete contexts. Learners encounter it most often when exchanging contact information. The most common phrase is '留下电话' (leave a phone number). At this stage, you should focus on the basic 'Subject + 留下 + Object' structure. It's important to understand that '留下' means you are putting something somewhere and then leaving it there. For example, if you are at a friend's house and you want to leave a book for them, you use '留下'. You might also hear it in very simple requests like '请留下' (Please stay), although '别走' (Don't go) is more common for A1 learners. The key is to recognize the '下' as part of the verb, not as 'down' in a directional sense. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember it as a fixed phrase for leaving information or small items.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '留下' in more varied daily situations. You will use it to talk about leaving messages ('留下留言'), leaving keys ('留下钥匙'), or asking someone to stay for a specific purpose ('留下吃饭' - stay to eat). You will also start to see the resultative marker '了' being used consistently with '留下' to indicate that the action is finished ('我留下了我的地址'). This level also introduces the '把' (bǎ) construction, where '留下' often appears at the end of the sentence: '把你的伞留下' (Leave your umbrella). You should also be able to distinguish '留下' from '离开' (to leave/depart). While '离开' focuses on the person going away, '留下' focuses on what remains behind. Understanding this distinction is a major milestone for A2 learners.

At the B1 level, the use of '留下' expands into abstract and metaphorical territory. You will learn to use it with '印象' (yìnxiàng - impression), as in '留下深刻的印象' (to leave a deep impression). This is a very common collocation in B1 level reading and speaking. You will also use '留下' to describe the results of actions or events, such as '留下遗憾' (to leave a regret) or '留下教训' (to leave a lesson). The grammatical structure '留下来' (liú xià lái) becomes more prominent, used when inviting someone to stay in the speaker's current location. You should also be comfortable using '留下' in passive sentences with '被' (bèi), such as '他被留下了' (He was left behind). At this stage, you are moving beyond simple physical objects to emotional and social consequences.

At the B2 level, '留下' is used in more formal and professional contexts. You will encounter it in news reports, business meetings, and literature. It is often used to discuss legacies, historical impacts, or long-term consequences. For example, '留下宝贵的财富' (leaving behind valuable wealth/assets) or '留下历史的足迹' (leaving the footprints of history). You will also learn to use it in more complex sentence structures, such as '留下...的余地' (to leave room for...). The nuances between '留下' and its synonyms like '遗留' (yíliú - to legacy/hand down) or '剩下' (shèngxià - to be left over) become more important. B2 learners should be able to choose the correct word based on the level of formality and the specific type of 'leaving' being described. You will also see it used in idiomatic expressions and more sophisticated writing.

At the C1 level, you will explore the subtle emotional and philosophical depths of '留下'. It is used in literary works to describe the lasting traces of time, love, or suffering. You might read about how a person '在心里留下了一道伤疤' (left a scar in the heart). The usage becomes highly idiomatic and context-dependent. You will also see '留下' used in legal or academic contexts, such as '留下证据' (leaving evidence) or '留下记录' (leaving a record). At this level, you should be able to use '留下' with high precision, choosing it over other verbs to convey specific shades of meaning, such as the difference between an intentional legacy and an accidental remnant. You will also encounter '留下' in classical-influenced modern prose, where it might be paired with single-syllable words to create a rhythmic, formal effect.

At the C2 level, '留下' is mastered in all its forms, including its use in classical Chinese (as '留') and its most abstract philosophical applications. You will understand how '留下' functions in the grander scheme of Chinese rhetoric, used to discuss the permanence of art, the transience of life, and the enduring nature of culture. You can use it to analyze complex texts where '留下' might represent the only thing that survives after a person's death or a civilization's fall. You will also be able to use it in highly specialized fields, such as forensics (leaving traces), psychology (leaving trauma), or high-level diplomacy (leaving a path for negotiation). At this level, the word is no longer just a verb; it is a tool for expressing the relationship between the past and the present, the actor and the act, and the transient and the eternal.

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

留下 in 30 Sekunden

留下 (liúxià) is a versatile verb meaning to leave something behind or to stay, often used for physical objects, information, or abstract impressions.
Grammatically, it combines '留' (stay) with the resultative complement '下' (down), indicating a fixed or permanent result of an action.
It is frequently used in hospitality to invite guests to stay ('留下来') and in professional settings to leave contact details or messages.
Common collocations include '留下印象' (leave an impression), '留下遗憾' (leave a regret), and '留下联系方式' (leave contact info).

The Chinese verb 留下 (liúxià) is a quintessential example of a resultative verb construction, combining the base verb 留 (liú), meaning 'to stay' or 'to keep', with the directional complement 下 (xià), meaning 'down'. Together, they create a semantic field that encompasses the act of causing something to remain in a specific place or state after one has departed or after an action has concluded. This is not merely 'leaving' in the sense of exiting (which would be 离开 líkāi), but specifically the act of 'leaving something behind' or 'depositing' something—be it a physical object, a piece of information, or an intangible impression.

Core Concept: The preservation of a presence (physical or abstract) in a location or context from which the primary actor has moved on.
Grammatical Structure: Verb (留) + Resultative Complement (下). The '下' indicates the stabilization or 'fixing' of the action into a permanent or semi-permanent state.

他在桌子上留下了一张字条。 (He left a note on the table.)

In a broader sense, 留下 can also mean to 'keep' someone or 'ask someone to stay'. If you are hosting a dinner and want a guest to remain longer, you might '留下' them for a meal. This highlights the dual nature of the word: it can refer to the object left behind by a departing subject, or the subject being compelled to remain by an external force. This flexibility makes it indispensable in daily conversation, ranging from the mundane (leaving a phone number) to the profound (leaving a legacy for future generations).

请留下您的联系方式。 (Please leave your contact information.)

Abstract Usage: Used frequently with '印象' (yìnxiàng - impression) or '遗憾' (yíhàn - regret). For example, '留下深刻的印象' (to leave a deep impression).

这次旅行给我留下了美好的回忆。 (This trip left me with beautiful memories.)

Furthermore, the word carries a sense of finality or result. When you 留下 something, there is an implication that the action is finished and the object is now 'set'. This distinguishes it from '放' (fàng - to put), which is a simple action of placement without the necessary connotation of the actor's subsequent absence or the object's enduring presence as a representative of that actor.

历史会留下它的足迹。 (History will leave its footprints.)

别走，留下来陪我。 (Don't go, stay and keep me company.)

Physical vs. Metaphorical: Physical: Leaving keys, money, or a note. Metaphorical: Leaving a legacy, a scar, or a feeling of sadness.

Mastering 留下 (liúxià) requires understanding its syntactic flexibility. It most commonly functions as a transitive verb followed by a direct object. However, the nature of that object significantly alters the nuance of the sentence. When the object is an inanimate thing, the meaning is 'to leave behind'. When the object is a person, the meaning shifts toward 'detaining' or 'inviting to stay'.

Basic SVO Pattern: Subject + 留下 + Object. Example: 我留下了一本书 (I left a book behind).

他走得太急，留下了钥匙。 (He left in such a hurry that he left his keys behind.)

A crucial aspect of using 留下 is the inclusion of the aspect marker 了 (le). Because 留下 describes a completed action or a result, 了 is almost always present when describing something that has already occurred. Without 了, the verb often appears in imperative sentences (requests) or future intentions.

如果你喜欢这里，就留下来吧。 (If you like it here, then stay.)

Common Objects: 1. Information: 电话、地址、姓名 (Phone, address, name). 2. Physical: 钱、礼物、垃圾 (Money, gift, trash). 3. Abstract: 印象、教训、阴影 (Impression, lesson, shadow/trauma).

In formal writing, 留下 is frequently used to describe historical impacts or scientific results. For instance, '留下宝贵的经验' (leaving behind valuable experience). In these contexts, it carries a positive connotation of contribution. Conversely, it can be negative, as in '留下隐患' (leaving behind a hidden danger/risk).

这次事故给他的心理留下了阴影。 (This accident left a shadow on his mind.)

请在听到蜂鸣音后留下您的留言。 (Please leave your message after the beep.)

Passive Usage: While less common, it can be used in '被' (bèi) structures: 他被留下了 (He was asked to stay / He was left behind).

只有他一个人被留下来加班。 (He was the only one left behind to work overtime.)

You will encounter 留下 (liúxià) in a vast array of social and professional settings in China. It is one of those 'high-utility' verbs that bridges the gap between basic survival Chinese and advanced literary expression. From the moment you check into a hotel to the time you say goodbye to friends, this word is constantly in play.

At the Office: Colleagues might ask you to '留下你的联系方式' (leave your contact info) or tell you that a boss '留下话了' (left word/a message).

经理留下话，让你去他办公室。 (The manager left word for you to go to his office.)

In customer service, particularly in restaurants or shops, staff may use 留下 when dealing with lost items or reservations. If you forget your umbrella, the waiter might say, '你把伞留下这里了' (You left your umbrella here). In more formal service contexts, like a bank or government office, you will be asked to '留下复印件' (leave a photocopy).

为了孩子，她决定留下来。 (For the sake of the child, she decided to stay.)

In Literature & News: News reports often mention what world leaders '留下' as their legacy, or how a natural disaster '留下' a trail of destruction.

Socially, it's a key word for hospitality. Chinese culture emphasizes being a good host, and part of that is '留客' (liú kè - keeping the guest). You will hear '别走了，留下吃晚饭吧' (Don't leave, stay for dinner) as a standard polite gesture, even if the host knows you have to go. It's a way of showing warmth and reluctance to see you leave.

他在这个城市留下了许多传说。 (He left many legends in this city.)

请在评论区留下你的看法。 (Please leave your views in the comments section.)

Travel & Tourism: Signs at scenic spots might say '除了脚印，什么都别留下' (Leave nothing but footprints), a direct parallel to the English environmental slogan.

While 留下 (liúxià) seems straightforward, learners often stumble over its distinction from other 'leaving' verbs or misuse the resultative complement '下'. Understanding these nuances will prevent you from sounding unnatural or being misunderstood.

Mistake 1: 留下 vs. 离开 (líkāi): Learners sometimes use '留下' when they mean they are departing a place. Remember: '离开' is the act of the person going away. '留下' is the act of making something (or someone) stay behind.

Incorrect: 我留下北京了。 (I left Beijing.)
Correct: 我离开北京了。 (I left Beijing.)

Another common error is confusing 留下 with 丢 (diū) or 忘 (wàng). If you accidentally forget your phone in a taxi, you didn't '留下' it (which implies a degree of intention or a neutral result), you '忘' (forgot) it or '丢' (lost) it. '留下' is used when the focus is on the object remaining there, regardless of whether it was intentional or not, but '忘' is better for the mistake itself.

Incorrect: 他留下深刻印象。 (He leave deep impression.)
Correct: 他留下了深刻印象。 (He left a deep impression.)

Mistake 2: 留下 vs. 留 (liú): '留' is the general verb 'to stay/keep'. '留下' is the specific result of staying/keeping. You can '留' hair long (留长发), but you '留下' a message (留下留言).

Finally, watch out for the word order with '把' (bǎ). When using the '把' construction, which is very common with 留下, the object must come before the verb. Beginners often revert to SVO word order while trying to use '把'.

Incorrect: 把留下你的名字。 (Put leave your name.)
Correct: 把你的名字留下。 (Leave your name.)

Mistake 3: Overusing '留下' for 'remaining': If you want to say 'there are 3 apples left', use '剩下' (shèngxià), not '留下'. '留下' implies an action of leaving them there, while '剩下' describes the state of what remains.

To truly understand 留下 (liúxià), it helps to compare it with its close linguistic relatives. Each of these words deals with 'staying' or 'leaving', but they differ in direction, intention, and result.

留下 vs. 剩下 (shèngxià): 留下: Focuses on the act of leaving something behind (often intentional). 剩下: Focuses on what is 'left over' after others are gone or used up.

我留下了十块钱。 (I left 10 yuan behind - maybe as a tip.)
只剩下了十块钱。 (Only 10 yuan is left - that's all the money I have now.)

Another important comparison is with 留念 (liúniàn). While 留下 can be used for memories, 留念 is specifically 'to keep as a souvenir' or 'to commemorate'. You 留下 an impression, but you take a photo to 留念.

留下 vs. 停留 (tíngliú): 留下: To leave something behind or to stay (permanently/long-term). 停留: To stop or stay somewhere temporarily (like a layover).

他在北京停留了两天。 (He stayed in Beijing for two days - temporary stop.)
他决定留下来。 (He decided to stay - implies a more permanent choice.)

留下 vs. 遗留 (yíliú): 留下: General term for leaving behind. 遗留: Formal term, often used for things left over from history, ancestors, or problems from the past (legacy/remnants).

这是历史遗留问题。 (This is a problem left over from history.)

Lastly, consider 留步 (liúbù). This is a very polite, set phrase used when someone is seeing you out. It literally means 'keep your steps' (i.e., 'don't bother coming any further'). You wouldn't say '留下', you'd say '请留步'.

请留步，不用送了。 (Please stay where you are, no need to see me out.)

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

请留下你的电话。

Please leave your phone number.

Simple SVO structure: Verb + Object.

他留下了一本书。

He left a book.

Use of '了' to indicate the action is completed.

别走，留下吧。

Don't go, stay.

Imperative use of '留下' meaning 'to stay'.

我留下钱了。

I left the money.

The object '钱' follows the verb.

请留下你的名字。

Please leave your name.

Common polite request.

他没留下话。

He didn't leave a word/message.

Negative form using '没'.

你留下，我走。

You stay, I'll go.

Contrast between staying and leaving.

把书留下。

Leave the book.

Simple '把' construction.

他在桌子上留下了一张字条。

He left a note on the table.

Locational phrase '在桌子上' before the verb.

请留下您的联系方式。

Please leave your contact information.

Formal use of '您' and '联系方式'.

如果你喜欢，就留下来吧。

If you like it, then stay.

Use of '留下来' for staying in a place.

他走得太急，留下了钥匙。

He left in such a hurry that he left his keys.

Descriptive complement '走得太急' setting the context.

我把雨伞留在了办公室。

I left my umbrella in the office.

'把' construction with a locational result.

经理留下话，让你等他。

The manager left word for you to wait for him.

'留下话' is a common phrase for leaving a message.

别担心，我会留下的。

Don't worry, I will stay.

Future intention with '会'.

他留下了很好的印象。

He left a very good impression.

Abstract object '印象'.

这部电影给我留下了深刻的印象。

This movie left a deep impression on me.

Structure: '给...留下印象'.

他为了照顾父母，决定留在这个城市。

He decided to stay in this city to take care of his parents.

Use of '留下' (or just '留') to mean permanent residence.

老师的话在他心里留下了阴影。

The teacher's words left a shadow in his heart.

Metaphorical use of '阴影' (shadow/trauma).

虽然他离开了，但他的精神留下了。

Although he left, his spirit remained.

Contrast between physical absence and abstract presence.

请在留言板上留下你的建议。

Please leave your suggestions on the message board.

Professional context for feedback.

这场比赛留下了许多遗憾。

This match left many regrets.

Abstract object '遗憾'.

他被留下处理剩下的工作。

He was left behind to handle the remaining work.

Passive voice with '被'.

我们要为后代留下一个美丽的地球。

We must leave a beautiful earth for future generations.

Altruistic/Legacy usage.

这次改革为未来的发展留下了空间。

This reform left space for future development.

Abstract 'space' (空间) as an object.

他在文学史上留下了浓墨重彩的一笔。

He left a significant mark in literary history.

Idiomatic expression for a major contribution.

这种药物可能会留下副作用。

This medicine might leave side effects.

Scientific/Medical context.

历史会留下公正的评价。

History will leave a fair evaluation.

Personification of history.

他走之前留下了一笔巨款。

He left behind a huge sum of money before he left.

Focus on the result of a departure.

不要给敌人留下任何可乘之机。

Don't leave any opportunity for the enemy to exploit.

Strategic/Military context.

他在这个项目中留下了不少宝贵的经验。

He left behind a lot of valuable experience in this project.

Positive professional legacy.

这场战争给当地人民留下了难以磨灭的痛苦。

This war left indelible pain for the local people.

High-level emotional description.

岁月在他脸上留下了刻痕。

The years have left marks on his face.

Literary use of '岁月' (years/time) as a subject.

他说话总是喜欢留下余地。

He always likes to leave some leeway when he speaks.

Idiomatic: '留下余地' (leave room/leeway).

那次失败在他心中留下了永久的伤痕。

That failure left a permanent scar in his heart.

Deep psychological impact.

这部作品为后世留下了无尽的遐想。

This work left endless room for imagination for future generations.

Academic/Artistic critique.

他在遗嘱中留下了一套房产给他的侄子。

He left a property to his nephew in his will.

Legal context (wills and inheritance).

犯罪嫌疑人在现场留下了指纹。

The suspect left fingerprints at the scene.

Forensic/Criminal context.

他的离去给公司留下了一个巨大的权力真空。

His departure left a huge power vacuum in the company.

Political/Business metaphor.

这种文化传统被完整地留下了。

This cultural tradition has been preserved (left) intact.

Passive preservation.

大自然在岩石上留下了亿万年的印记。

Nature has left imprints of hundreds of millions of years on the rocks.

Geological/Scientific scale.

他试图在变幻莫测的时代留下自己的声音。

He tried to leave his own voice in an unpredictable era.

Existential/Philosophical theme.

有些事情，留下了便是永恒。

Some things, once left behind, become eternal.

Aphoristic/Poetic style.

他那番话，看似无意，实则留下了伏笔。

His words seemed unintentional, but actually laid the groundwork (foreshadowing).

Literary device: '留下伏笔'.

这种艺术形式在历史的长河中留下了绚丽的色彩。

This art form left brilliant colors in the long river of history.

Highly metaphorical and formal.

他在处理危机时，巧妙地留下了退路。

When handling the crisis, he skillfully left himself a way out.

Strategic nuance: '留下退路'.

文字的魅力在于它能为思想留下形体。

The charm of writing lies in its ability to give form to thoughts.

Abstract philosophical claim.

他的一生，没有留下任何遗憾。

In his whole life, he left no regrets.

Ultimate life summary.

Häufige Kollokationen

留下印象

留下遗憾

留下话

留下联系方式

留下阴影

留下教训

留下证据

留下余地

留下伏笔

留下悬念

Häufige Phrasen

留下来

留下吧

留下姓名

留下地址

留下钱

留下字条

留下回忆

留下伤疤

留下足迹

留下名声

Wird oft verwechselt mit

留下 vs 离开 (líkāi) - to depart

留下 vs 剩下 (shèngxià) - to be left over

留下 vs 丢 (diū) - to lose

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

Leicht verwechselbar

留下 vs 剩下

Focuses on quantity remaining (leftovers).

留下 vs 遗留

Formal, usually for historical problems or legacies.

留下 vs 留念

Specifically for souvenirs or commemoration.

留下 vs 停留

Temporary stop during a journey.

留下 vs 留步

Polite phrase to stop someone from seeing you out.

Satzmuster

Wortfamilie

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

Social

Essential for polite refusal of a guest's departure.

Direction

'下' implies the object is stationary.

Intentionality

Can be intentional (leaving a tip) or unintentional (leaving keys).

Häufige Fehler

Using '留下' to mean 'leaving a place' (should be 离开).
Forgetting the aspect marker '了' in past tense sentences.
Confusing '留下' (action of leaving) with '剩下' (state of remaining).
Incorrect word order with '给' (should be '给 someone 留下印象').
Using '留下' for people without '下来' or polite particles, making it sound like detention.

Tipps

The Power of '了'

Always use '了' after '留下' when talking about something that has already been left behind. It completes the resultative meaning.

Hospitality Hack

If you want to be a great host, use '留下来吃顿饭吧' (Stay for a meal). Even if they say no, the gesture is appreciated.

Impression Collocation

Memorize '留下深刻的印象' as a single block. It's one of the most common high-level phrases in Chinese.

Legacy Building

When writing about history or famous people, use '留下' to describe their contributions to make your writing sound more professional.

Softening Requests

Add '吧' at the end (留下吧) to make an invitation to stay sound like a warm suggestion rather than a command.

Phone Etiquette

In voicemail greetings, you will always hear '请留下您的留言'. Recognizing this helps you know when to start talking.

Environmental Awareness

In parks, look for signs saying '别留下垃圾' (Don't leave trash). It's a common way to see the word in the wild.

Visual Association

Imagine leaving a footprint in the sand. That footprint is what is '留下' (left behind) as you walk away.

Intentional vs Accidental

If you leave something on purpose, '留下' is perfect. If you forget it, '忘在...了' is often more natural, though '留下' still works.

Contact Info

Always use '留下联系方式' in business settings. It's the standard, polite way to ask for a way to get in touch.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Stay (留) Down (下)! If you leave something 'down', it 'stays' behind.

Wortherkunft

Kultureller Kontext

Leaving a legacy for descendants is a primary life goal.

Asking someone to stay is a 'polite ritual' (客套话).

Commonly used on platforms like WeChat and Weibo for engagement.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"你能留下你的微信号吗？"

"你对这个城市的印象留下了什么？"

"别走了，留下来一起玩吧？"

"他在你心里留下了什么样的位置？"

"你想为这个世界留下什么？"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今天有什么事给你留下了深刻的印象？

如果你要离开你的家乡，你会留下什么？

写一写你想为后代留下的建议。

描述一次你被要求留下来加班的经历。

哪部电影给你留下的遗憾最多？

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, '留下' means leaving something behind. To say you left a room, use '离开' (líkāi). If you say '我留下房间了', it sounds like you left an object in the room or you stayed in the room.

'留' is the basic verb for staying or keeping. '留下' is the resultative form, emphasizing that the action of staying or keeping has been successfully completed or fixed. You '留' hair long, but you '留下' a message.

You can say '留下留言' (liúxià liúyán) or more colloquially '留个言' (liú gè yán). In a professional context, '留下话' (liúxià huà) is also common.

Not necessarily. While you can leave '宝贵的经验' (valuable experience), you can also leave '阴影' (shadows/trauma) or '隐患' (hidden dangers). It depends entirely on the object.

Yes. It can mean to ask someone to stay ('把他留下') or to leave someone behind ('他被留下了').

'留下' is usually an action (I left 5 dollars). '剩下' is a state of what is left over (There are 5 dollars left).

The standard word order is '给我留下印象' (Gěi wǒ liúxià yìnxiàng). The 'to me' part comes before the verb.

It can, but '忘' (wàng) is more specific for forgetting. '留下' just states the fact that the object is now there and you are not.

Use the pattern: '把 + Object + 留下'. For example: '把你的伞留下' (Leave your umbrella).

'留下来' is specifically used for people staying in a place. '留下' is more general and can be used for objects or abstract things.