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.
remain (stay in a place)
remain (continue in a state)
Attach to noun/adjective/verb past form
remain (be left over)
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.
He remained alone in the room.
Means 'to stay' or 'to remain' in a place, often with a nuance of intentionally staying put. Slightly formal or literary.
Specifically means 'to stay behind' after others have left, often for work or punishment. Common in school or office contexts.
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.
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.
To continue to exist over time, especially memories, feelings, or problems.
Also used for abstract things like memories, impressions, or doubts that remain.
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'.
He remained silent.
A few students remained in the classroom.
彼はその場にとどまった。
He remained on the spot.
He remained in the office because his work wasn't finished.
The window remained open.
He spoke while remaining standing.
Formal or written equivalent of 〜まま, explicitly stating 'remains in the state of...'.
The problem remains unsolved.
Means 'to continue' doing something. Used with verb stem + 続ける to express remaining in an action.
He remained silent.
A little food remains in the fridge.
There is still time remaining.
Means 'to be left over' or 'to be in excess'. Often used for surplus items or quantities.
Money remained (was left over).
That memory remains in my heart.
Doubts remain.
Formal term for 'to persist' or 'to continue'. Used in technical or written contexts.
Symptoms remain (persist).
Much work remains to be done.
The fact remains that he lied.