留住 is a compound verb meaning 'to retain' or 'to keep (someone or something) from leaving or disappearing.' It combines 留 (liú), which means 'to stay,' 'to remain,' or 'to keep,' and 住 (zhù), which functions as a resultative complement indicating completion or cessation of movement — literally 'to stop at a place' or 'to hold in place.' Together, they express the idea of successfully preventing departure, loss, or change.

This verb is commonly used in emotional, interpersonal, or practical contexts: persuading someone not to leave a job or relationship; preserving memories, youth, or natural beauty; or keeping physical objects from being lost. It often implies effort, intention, or urgency — for example, a manager trying to retain a valued employee, or an environmentalist seeking to preserve endangered habitats. Unlike simple verbs like 保留 (to preserve/retain formally), 留住 feels more immediate and personal, frequently appearing in spoken language and heartfelt appeals.