Translation guide
Refers to things left behind, especially unwanted remnants like food scraps, leftovers, or residue. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 残り物 (leftovers), but other words apply depending on what is left and the context.
Express food or drink that remains after a meal, often implying it is unwanted or to be discarded.
The most general term for leftovers, especially food. Can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context.
残り物を冷蔵庫に入れてください。
Please put the leftovers in the fridge.
残り物で昼食を作った。
I made lunch from the leftovers.
Specifically refers to food left uneaten on a plate, often implying waste or scraps.
食べ残しを捨てないでください。
Please don't throw away the uneaten food.
Leftover drink, often in a glass or bottle.
テーブルに飲み残しのコーヒーがあった。
There was leftover coffee on the table.
Describe small amounts left behind after a process, like dregs, scraps, or remains.
General term for remainder or leftover of anything, not just food.
コーヒーの残りを捨てた。
I threw away the coffee dregs.
Dregs, grounds, or lees; often used for coffee grounds, tea leaves, or sake lees.
コーヒーかすは肥料に使えます。
Coffee grounds can be used as fertilizer.
Technical term for residue or dregs, used in scientific or industrial contexts.
Refer to items abandoned or forgotten by a person.
Something left behind unintentionally, like a lost item.
電車に忘れ物をした。
I left something on the train.
Abandoned or left behind deliberately, often with a nuance of neglect.
The English word 'leavings' is somewhat literary or old-fashioned. In most everyday situations, use 残り物 for food leftovers or 残り for general remnants. Direct translation as 'leavings' may sound unnatural in Japanese.
This residue contains harmful substances.
犬が置き去りにされていた。
A dog had been left behind.