Word
残す
Meaning in Englishto leave (behind, over), to save, to reserve
Animated kanji stroke order
Word context
What it means
What does 残す mean? It means to leave something behind for someone else or for future use, or to retain a part of something rather than using it all, in either physical or abstract sense.
Main meanings
- to leave behind a tangible object for someone else or as a remnant
- to leave a remaining amount or balance after part has been used
- to leave a lasting impression, memory, or result that endures
- to spare or reserve something for later use
How to use it
Used transitively with を; contexts include leaving physical items 物を残す, preserving resources or results 成果を残す, and leaving something behind in memory or record 心に残す, 書き残す.
Variants and close terms
- 保存する (ほぞんする) - hozon suru
- 置き去りにする (おきざりにする) - okizari ni suru
- 心に残す (こころにのこす) - kokoro ni nokosu
- 取っておく (とっておく) - totte oku
Composition
- 残: remainder, what is left
- す: verb suffix that makes it a transitive verb
Etymology
etimologia 残る + す; the suffix す turns an intransitive verb into a transitive verb, shifting the meaning from to remain to to leave behind.
Word class
Verb (五段動詞, transitive)