The Meaning of nokosu [残す] In Japanese

残す
のこす
Romaji: nokosu N5

What does 残す mean?

Translation and Meaning

leave behind, remain, save for later, spare

Definition

What does 残す mean? It means to leave something behind for someone else or for future use, or to retain a part of something rather than using it all, in either physical or abstract sense.

Type

Verb (五段動詞, transitive)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • to leave behind a tangible object for someone else or as a remnant
  • to leave a remaining amount or balance after part has been used
  • to leave a lasting impression, memory, or result that endures
  • to spare or reserve something for later use

Etymology

etimologia 残る + す; the suffix す turns an intransitive verb into a transitive verb, shifting the meaning from to remain to to leave behind.

Composition

  • 残: remainder, what is left
  • す: verb suffix that makes it a transitive verb

Usage

Used transitively with を; contexts include leaving physical items 物を残す, preserving resources or results 成果を残す, and leaving something behind in memory or record 心に残す, 書き残す.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic leave the rest — imagine a plate with the rest left on it to recall that 残す means to leave the rest behind.

Variations

  • 保存する (ほぞんする) – hozon suru
  • 置き去りにする (おきざりにする) – okizari ni suru
  • 心に残す (こころにのこす) – kokoro ni nokosu
  • 取っておく (とっておく) – totte oku

Example Phrases

  • テーブルに 食べかけを 残す のは 嫌だ。
    Tēburu ni tabekake o nokosu no wa iya da.
    It’s unpleasant to leave unfinished food on the table.
    Lista:
    • テーブルに (teeburu ni) – to the table
    • 食べかけを (tabekake o) – half-eaten food
    • 残す (nokosu) – to leave behind
    • のは (no wa) – the act of
    • 嫌だ (iya da) – it’s unpleasant
    In this sentence 「残す」 is used as a transitive verb with the object 「食べかけを」; 「のは」 nominalizes the clause, making it the subject of 嫌だ.
残す