Translation guide
How to talk about leftover food, remaining items, or things left behind in Japanese.
Referring to food that remains after a meal, either to be saved or thrown away.
The most common and neutral word for leftover food. Can be used for food saved for later or food left uneaten.
Please put the leftovers in the fridge.
I made lunch from leftovers.
Specifically refers to food left on a plate after eating, often implying it will be discarded. More negative nuance than 残り物.
Please throw away the leftovers (food left on plates).
Similar to 残り物 but can also refer to surplus or excess food, not necessarily from a meal. Less common.
I distributed the leftover food to the neighbors.
Referring to non-food items that are left after the rest has been used, taken, or finished.
General noun meaning 'remainder' or 'leftover part'. Used for both tangible and intangible things.
I'll do the rest of the work tomorrow.
Often used for surplus, excess, or something left over after division. Can imply 'more than needed'.
Things that remain in a place after someone has left, often accidentally.
Specifically means something left behind by mistake (lost property). Not used for intentional leftovers.
I left something on the train.
The act of leaving something behind unintentionally. Often used as a noun or in compound verbs.
Be careful not to leave your umbrella behind.
Food you couldn't finish at a restaurant and want to take home.
残り物 is neutral and can refer to food saved for later. 食べ残し implies food left on a plate after eating, often with a negative connotation of waste.
残り物 is almost exclusively for food. For other leftover items, use 残り or 余り.
How much money is left?
I made cookies with the leftover ingredients.
Would you like to take it home? (Would you like it to go?)