How to say "remain" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 残るのこるgodan verb, intransitive verbThe default word for 'remain' in the sense of being left: things, people, or traces that continue to exist after others are gone. Choose it when something survives or is left behind.
- godan verb, intransitive verbCovers 'remain' in the sense of staying in one place rather than moving on or leaving — to remain somewhere, abide, or stay put. Usually written in kana alone.ここにとどまっていても何の得もない。↗There is no advantage in staying here.
- 余るあまるgodan verb, intransitive verbOnly the 'left over' sense of remain: what is in excess or surplus after needs are met — too much money, food, or time. Not for people or things simply continuing to exist.
- 居座るいすわるgodan verb, intransitive verbFor a person remaining or staying somewhere: staying put in a place rather than leaving. Use it for someone staying on somewhere, not for things that are left.
- 居残るいのこるgodan verb, intransitive verbTo stay behind or remain after others have gone, and by extension to work overtime. Choose it when someone stays on while the rest leave, as in staying late at work.
Use 「残る」 for what is left after the rest is gone, 「とどまる」 for staying in one place, 「余る」 for leftovers or surplus, 「居座る」 for a person staying put, and 「居残る」 for staying behind or working late.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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