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遗留 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
遗留yíliú(leave or be a) legacyHSK 7, vn, rank #12924, Hard
遗留yíliúleft overHSK 7, vn, rank #12924, Hard
遗留yíliúhand down (to next generation)HSK 7, vn, rank #12924, Hard
遗留yíliúto leave behindHSK 7, unknown, rank #12924, Hard
遗留yíliúto hand downHSK 7, unknown, rank #12924, Hard
yíliú(yi2liu2) T2
  1. 1(leave or be a) legacy
  2. 2left over
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March 24, 2026
遗留(遺留)yíliú(yi2liu2)

The term 遗留 (yí liú) refers to something that has been left behind or passed down from one generation to another. It can denote tangible items, such as artifacts or legacies, as well as intangible concepts like traditions or values. This word is commonly used in discussions about heritage and the impact of the past on the present.

Frequency#12924DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of legacy is deeply rooted in Confucian values, where the importance of family heritage and ancestral respect plays a significant role. The word 遗留 is often used in discussions about cultural preservation and the passing down of traditions.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wise old man (the character 遗) carefully placing a precious heirloom (留) into a time capsule, symbolizing the legacy he leaves behind for future generations. The two characters together create a vivid image of something cherished that is left for others.

Meanings of 遗留

yíliú(yi2liu2)
1(leave or be a) legacy
2left over
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 遗留

遗留Simplified
遺留Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#12924Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 遗留

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Podcast: 遗留

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AI Study Notes for 遗留

Quick Contrast

遗忘 (yíwàng) vs 遗留 (yíliú) — use 遗留 when referring to something that has been intentionally passed down or left behind, while 遗忘 indicates something that has been forgotten.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a wise old man (the character 遗) carefully placing a precious heirloom (留) into a time capsule, symbolizing the legacy he leaves behind for future generations. The two characters together create a vivid image of something cherished that is left for others.

Usage Notes

When using 遗留, be mindful of context; it often implies something of significance rather than trivial items. It is more formal, suited for written or serious spoken contexts rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include 遗留问题 (legacy issues) or 遗留文化 (cultural legacy).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 遗留 is a great example of how vocabulary can connect to broader themes of history and culture. Students should focus on its usage in literature and formal writing, as well as its distinctions from similar words like 留下 (liú xià) which has a more immediate sense of leaving something behind.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of legacy is deeply rooted in Confucian values, where the importance of family heritage and ancestral respect plays a significant role. The word 遗留 is often used in discussions about cultural preservation and the passing down of traditions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 遗留 with 留下, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我留下了这些文化' instead of '我遗留了这些文化' can change the implied meaning from a simple action to a more significant legacy.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 遗留

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Component Characters

to lose
HSK 512 strokes
View full entry
liúto stay, to remain; to preserve, to keep; to leave a message; 
HSK 410 strokes
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Write 遗留

Practice writing 遗留 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 遗留

遗留 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 3

Complete the Sentence

作为食品配给制的一种____影响,他们总把黄油和人造黄油混在一起吃。

As a hangover from rationing, they mixed butter and margarine.

Example Sentences for 遗留 (3)

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1
作为食品配给制的一种遗留影响,他们总把黄油和人造黄油混在一起吃。

zuò wéi shí pǐn pèi gěi zhì de yī zhǒng yí liú yǐng xiǎng, , tā mén zǒng bǎ huáng yóu hé rén zào huáng yóu hùn zài yī qǐ。

As a hangover from rationing, they mixed butter and margarine.
2
昨天我取回了遗留在火车上的包.

zuó tiān wǒ qǔ huí le yí liú zài huǒ chē shàng de bāo.

Yesterday I retrieved the bag I left in the train.
3
他是在折损了遗产一半价值的条件下遗留给他的.

tā shì zài zhē sǔn le yí chǎn yī bàn jià zhí de tiáo jiàn xià yí liú gěi tā de.

He left it to him on such terms as destroyed half the value of the bequest.

Cultural Notes for 遗留

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of legacy is deeply rooted in Confucian values, where the importance of family heritage and ancestral respect plays a significant role. The word 遗留 is often used in discussions about cultural preservation and the passing down of traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions about 遗留

遗留 emphasizes the significance and long-term impact of what is left behind, while 留下 is more about the act of leaving something behind without the same connotation of legacy.