Translation and Meaning of: 残る - nokoru

The Japanese word 残る[のこる] is an essential verb for anyone studying the language, as it frequently appears in everyday conversations, texts, and even in Japanese media. Its main meaning revolves around the idea of "to remain," "to be left over," or "to be left behind," but its nuances go beyond the literal translation. In this article, we will explore the practical use of this word, its origin, and how it connects with cultural values of Japan. If you want to understand how 残る works in real contexts, keep reading!

Meaning and use of 残る in daily life

残る is a verb that describes something that remains after an action or event. For example, if there is leftover food on the plate after a meal, the Japanese might say "ご飯が残っている" (the rice that is left). This word also appears in emotional situations, such as when someone says "記憶に残る" (to remain in memory), indicating a memorable recollection.

In addition to its physical meaning, 残る is used to express consequences or abstract residues. In companies, we hear phrases like "仕事が残る" (pending work), showing unfinished tasks. This versatility makes it one of the most useful words for intermediate Japanese learners.

The origin and the kanji of 残る

The kanji 残 is composed of two elements: the radical 歹 (death) and 戔 (to cut, to reduce). Together, they suggest the idea of "remanent" or "what remains after a process." Historically, this character was used in contexts such as battles, where 残る meant "to survive" or "not to be destroyed." Over time, its use expanded to everyday situations.

It's worth noting that 残る is not an irregular verb, but its kanji form can confuse beginners. The reading のこる is kun'yomi (Japanese reading), while the on'yomi (Chinese reading) ザン appears in compound words such as 残業 (ざんぎょう - overtime).

Remaining in Japanese culture and values

In Japan, the idea of "not leaving leftovers" is deeply cultural. Expressions like "もったいない" (mottainai - what a waste to waste) reinforce the importance of using everything until the end. In this context, 残る can carry a negative connotation when referring to uneaten food or poorly utilized resources.

On the other hand, in positive contexts, this word appears in compliments. A teacher might say "君の努力は残るよ" (your effort will be remembered), highlighting memorable actions. This duality shows how Japanese assigns different values to the same verb depending on the situation.

Tips for memorizing 残る

An effective way to memorize 残る is to associate it with visual situations. Imagine an empty plate with just one grain of rice left - that grain is "残っている". Another technique is to create flashcards with sentences like "時間が残らない" (no time left), which are useful for learning.

Studies on language acquisition show that learning words in real contexts boosts retention. Therefore, when encountering 残る in manga, dramas, or songs, write down the complete sentence. This practice helps to understand the nuances that dictionaries do not always explain.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 残る

• 残る - base form
• 残らない - Negative
• 残っている - Te-iru shape
• 残ります - polite form
• 残れ - imperative

Synonyms and similar words

• 残す (nokosu) - Leave, preserve something; keep a part of something.
• 残り (nokori) - What remains is leftovers; the part that was not consumed.
• 残存する (zanzon suru) - To remain, still exist; to be present in a residual state.
• 残留する (zanryuu suru) - Allow something to remain or stay behind; residues or remnants of a substance.
• 残り余る (nokori amaru) - To be excessive; when the remaining part is greater than expected.

残る

Romaji: nokoru
Kana: のこる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: stay; be left

Meaning in English: to remain;to be left

Definition: ~Things remain. do not disappear.

Example Sentences - (残る) nokoru

See below some example sentences:

残る思い出が心に残る。

Nokoru omoide ga kokoro ni nokoru

The memories that remain leave me with a lasting feeling.

The remaining memories remain in my heart.

• 残る (nokoru) - remain, stay
• 思い出 (omoide) - memory
• が (ga) - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 心 (kokoro) - Heart, mind, soul
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the location where something is or takes place
• 残る (nokoru) - remain, stay
• . (ponto final)

残らずやり遂げよう。

Nokorazu yari togeyou

Let's complete everything without leaving anything behind.

Let's do this without leaving.

• 残らず - adverb that means "completely" or "totally".
• やり遂げよう - verb that means "to conclude" or "to carry out".