to remain

JLPT N5 12 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (shèng)

The character primarily means "to remain" or "to be left over." It is commonly used to describe quantities or items that are left after some have been used or consumed.

Common contexts

  • Food or items remaining after consumption or use (e.g., - rice left over).
  • Time or tasks remaining (e.g., 时间 - remaining time).
  • Money or resources left after spending or donation.

Collocations and patterns

Nuances

Using often implies a smaller quantity than before, sometimes with a slight sense of waste or surplus. It is neutral in tone and widely used in both spoken and written Chinese.

Common confusion

Don't confuse with (liú), which also means "to leave" but often implies intentionally keeping or saving something, whereas emphasizes what is left unintentionally or naturally after use.

Example Sentences

There is still some rice left, do you want to eat?

I still have three questions unfinished in this exam, time is not enough,

He donated all the remaining money to the charity.