Translation guide
The English verb 'remain' covers several related ideas: staying in a place, continuing in a state, being left over, and persisting. Japanese uses different words and patterns for each. This guide helps you choose the right one.
To stay behind or not leave a location.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to remain' or 'to be left behind'. Used for people or things staying in a place while others leave.
彼は一人で部屋に残った。
He remained alone in the room.
数人の学生が教室に残っていた。
A few students remained in the classroom.
Means 'to stay' or 'to remain' in a place, often with a nuance of intentionally staying put. Slightly formal or literary.
彼はその場にとどまった。
He remained on the spot.
Specifically means 'to stay behind' after others have left, often for work or punishment. Common in school or office contexts.
彼は仕事が終わらず、オフィスに居残った。
He remained in the office because his work wasn't finished.
To stay in the same condition or continue to be something.
Attached to nouns, adjectives, or verbs in past/negative form to mean 'remaining in that state'. Very common and natural.
窓が開いたままだった。
The window remained open.
彼は立ったまま話した。
He spoke while remaining standing.
Formal or written equivalent of 〜まま, explicitly stating 'remains in the state of...'.
問題は未解決のままである。
The problem remains unsolved.
Means 'to continue' doing something. Used with verb stem + 続ける to express remaining in an action.
To still exist after others are gone or used.
Intransitive verb for things that remain or are left over. Also used for money, time, food, etc.
冷蔵庫に食べ物が少し残っている。
A little food remains in the fridge.
まだ時間が残っている。
There is still time remaining.
Means 'to be left over' or 'to be in excess'. Often used for surplus items or quantities.
To continue to exist over time, especially memories, feelings, or problems.
Also used for abstract things like memories, impressions, or doubts that remain.
その思い出は心に残っている。
That memory remains in my heart.
疑問が残る。
Doubts remain.
Formal term for 'to persist' or 'to continue'. Used in technical or written contexts.
症状が持続する。
Symptoms remain (persist).
残る is mainly for physical remaining or being left over. For 'remain silent', 'remain standing', etc., use 〜まま or verb stem + 続ける.
残る is neutral 'be left', while 余る implies surplus or excess. お金が残った means 'money remained (after spending)', while お金が余った means 'there was extra money'.
彼は黙ったままだった。
He remained silent.
やるべき仕事がたくさん残っている。
Much work remains to be done.
彼が嘘をついたという事実は残る。
The fact remains that he lied.
彼は黙り続けた。
He remained silent.
Money remained (was left over).