Comparing "baocun" and "baoliu"

保存 (bǎocún) and 保留 (bǎoliú) both are verbs that mean to keep or to maintain. Both are used be used in informal and formal settings and sometimes can be used interchangeably. A key difference between these words is that 保存 is only used with concrete things or specific objects, whereas 保留 can be used with concrete/specific objects or abstract objects.











B2HSK5ASV4567
保存 (bǎocún) 保留 (bǎoliú)
Meaning to keep, to maintain to keep, to maintain
Part of Speech verb verb
Formality flexible flexible

To say keep or maintain many times both 保存 and 保留 can be used interchangeably.

Common Phrases

In the following examples both 认为 and 以为 can be used.

  • ~下去
  • ~起来
  • ~古迹