How to say "leftover" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 残ったのこったprenominal modifierCovers 'leftover' as a modifier: the past form of the verb 残る ('to remain'), describing what is left, as with food left after a meal — not the noun 'leftovers'. A less common choice.
- 余よno-adjectiveDespite its 'remaining, leftover' glosses, this is seldom the word you want for 'leftover': it is really an element meaning 'surplus, extra' that appears inside other words rather than standing alone.
「残った」 expresses 'leftover' as a modifier describing what remained, while 余 appears only as a 'surplus, remaining' element inside other words and is seldom the word you want; both are less common choices.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
