expression, godan verb (-su)
leave words behind; say for posterity; utter last words
Used when someone leaves meaningful words, often before death or departure, that will be remembered. Can also refer to recording words for future generations.
彼は死ぬ前に家族に言葉を残した。
He left words for his family before he died.
この本は後世に言
This book was written to leave words for posterity.
expression, godan verb (-su)
leave some things unsaid
Used when someone deliberately does not say everything, leaving gaps or unspoken implications. Often implies restraint or intentional omission.
彼は詳しい説明を避け、あえて言葉を残した。
He avoided a detailed explanation and deliberately left some things unsaid.