qíyú: 其余 - The Rest, The Remainder, The Others

• Keywords: 其余, qiyu, the rest in Chinese, the remainder in Chinese, how to say the others in Chinese, Chinese grammar 其余, 剩下 vs 其余, 别的 vs 其余, 其他 vs 其余, formal Chinese, HSK 5 vocabulary.
• Summary: Learn how to use “其余 (qíyú)”, the formal Chinese term for “the rest” or “the remainder”. This comprehensive guide explains its meaning, usage in written and formal contexts, and how it differs from similar words like 剩下 (shèngxià), 其他 (qítā), and 别的 (biéde). Perfect for intermediate learners looking to add precision and formality to their Chinese, this page includes character breakdowns, cultural context, and over 10 practical example sentences.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): qí yú
• Part of Speech: Pronoun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: The rest; the remainder; the others (referring to the remaining part of a specific, previously mentioned group).
• In a Nutshell: “其余” is the formal way to say “the rest of them/it.” Imagine you have a complete set of something (people, items, tasks), you mention one part of that set, and then you use “其余” to refer to everything else that's left within that original set. It's the linguistic equivalent of saying “the remainder” in English and is most at home in written documents, news reports, and formal speeches.

• 其 (qí): This character is a classical and formal pronoun, meaning “his,” “her,” “its,” “their,” or “that.” Think of it as a formal pointer to something already mentioned.
• 余 (yú): This character means “surplus,” “remainder,” or “to be left over.” It's the same character used in the fishing term “年年有余 (nián nián yǒu yú),” meaning “to have a surplus every year.”
• The two characters combine quite literally to mean “that which remains” or “the remaining part,” which perfectly captures the meaning of “the rest.”

The primary cultural significance of “其余” lies in its formality and its association with a clear distinction between written language (`书面语 shūmiànyǔ`) and spoken language (`口语 kǒuyǔ`) in Chinese. Using “其余” immediately elevates the register of your language. It signals education, precision, and seriousness. In everyday conversation, using “其余” might sound a bit stiff or overly formal, as if you were reading from a textbook.

• Comparison to Western Culture: This is similar to the difference in English between casual and formal registers. For example, in a conversation with friends, you might say, “I'll take these two books, and you can have the rest.” In a legal document or a business report, you would be more likely to write, “The first two articles are approved; the remainder will be reviewed at the next meeting.” “其余” functions like “the remainder” in this formal context. It demonstrates a command of a more sophisticated and appropriate vocabulary for specific situations.

• Written and Formal Contexts: This is the primary domain for “其余”. You will see it constantly in:
  • News Reports: “三名嫌疑人已被捕，其余的仍在逃。 (Three suspects have been arrested, the rest are still at large.)”
  • Official Documents & Instructions: “请填写第一页，其余部分由工作人员处理。 (Please fill out the first page; the remaining parts will be handled by the staff.)”
  • Academic Writing: “本文的第一章介绍了理论，其余章节将进行分析。 (The first chapter of this paper introduces the theory; the remaining chapters will conduct the analysis.)”
  • Formal Speeches: A CEO might say, “我们两个部门完成了目标，其余的部门需要加油。 (Our two departments have met their goals; the rest of the departments need to work harder.)”
• Spoken Contexts: It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation among friends or family. In those situations, you are much more likely to hear:
  • `剩下(的)` (shèngxià de) - “the leftover ones”
  • `别的` (biéde) - “other ones”
  • `其他(的)` (qítā de) - “the other ones”

• Example 1:
  • 我们班二十个学生，五个去了北京，其余的都回家了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen bān èrshí ge xuéshēng, wǔ ge qùle Běijīng, qíyú de dōu huí jiā le.
  • English: There are twenty students in our class. Five went to Beijing, and the rest all went home.
  • Analysis: This is a classic example. A whole group (20 students) is defined, one part is mentioned (5 students), and “其余” refers to the remaining part of that original group (the other 15 students).
• Example 2:
  • 这次会议，除了两位经理，其余所有人都必须参加。
  • Pinyin: Zhècì huìyì, chúle liǎng wèi jīnglǐ, qíyú suǒyǒu rén dōu bìxū cānjiā.
  • English: For this meeting, with the exception of the two managers, all other people must attend.
  • Analysis: Here, “其余” is used with “所有” (all) to emphasize that *every single person* in the remaining group is included. This adds a layer of formality and strictness.
• Example 3:
  • 我只看了这本书的第一章，其余部分还没来得及看。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zhǐ kànle zhè běn shū de dì-yī zhāng, qíyú bùfen hái méi láidejí kàn.
  • English: I've only read the first chapter of this book; I haven't had time to read the remaining parts yet.
  • Analysis: “其余” can be used with nouns like “部分” (bùfen - part) to specify what kind of “rest” is being discussed.
• Example 4:
  • 报告的主要观点已经讲完，其余的都是一些细节问题。
  • Pinyin: Bàogào de zhǔyào guāndiǎn yǐjīng jiǎng wán, qíyú de dōu shì yīxiē xìjié wèntí.
  • English: The main points of the report have been covered; the rest are just some minor details.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates its use in a business or academic context to separate main ideas from supporting details.
• Example 5:
  • 消防员救出了五个孩子，其余的人还在里面。
  • Pinyin: Xiāofángyuán jiùchūle wǔ ge háizi, qíyú de rén hái zài lǐmiàn.
  • English: The firefighters rescued five children; the rest of the people are still inside.
  • Analysis: A serious, formal sentence appropriate for a news report. Using `剩下的人` (shèngxià de rén) would also be correct, but `其余的人` sounds more official.
• Example 6:
  • 他把大部分钱存入银行，用其余的钱投资了股票。
  • Pinyin: Tā bǎ dà bùfen qián cúnrù yínháng, yòng qíyú de qián tóuzīle gǔpiào.
  • English: He deposited most of the money in the bank and used the rest to invest in stocks.
  • Analysis: Shows how “其余” refers to a remaining portion of a non-human noun (money).
• Example 7:
  • 两位获奖者上台领奖，其余候选人留在座位上。
  • Pinyin: Liǎng wèi huòjiǎngzhě shàng tái lǐngjiǎng, qíyú hòuxuǎnrén liú zài zuòwèi shàng.
  • English: The two award winners went on stage to receive their prizes; the remaining candidates stayed in their seats.
  • Analysis: Notice that when “其余” directly modifies a noun (like 候选人 - candidates), the particle “的” is not needed.
• Example 8:
  • 这个菜我只认识西红柿和鸡蛋，其余的材料都叫不出名字。
  • Pinyin: Zhège cài wǒ zhǐ rènshi xīhóngshì hé jīdàn, qíyú de cáiliào dōu jiào bù chū míngzi.
  • English: In this dish, I only recognize tomato and egg; I can't name the rest of the ingredients.
  • Analysis: A slightly less formal but still perfectly correct use, referring to the remaining ingredients in a specific dish.
• Example 9:
  • 请在这里签名，其余各项由我们来填写。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng zài zhèlǐ qiānmíng, qíyú gè xiàng yóu wǒmen lái tiánxiě.
  • English: Please sign here; the remaining items will be filled in by us.
  • Analysis: A common instruction found on forms and applications. “各项” (gè xiàng) means “each item”.
• Example 10:
  • 军队的主力向东推进，其余兵力负责防守。
  • Pinyin: Jūnduì de zhǔlì xiàng dōng tuījìn, qíyú bīnglì fùzé fángshǒu.
  • English: The main force of the army advanced eastward, while the remaining troops were responsible for defense.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates a formal, strategic use as one might find in a history book or military report.

The most common point of confusion for learners is distinguishing “其余” from `剩下`, `其他`, and `别的`.

• 其余 (qíyú) vs. 剩下 (shèngxià):
  • 其余 is a pronoun meaning “the rest (of a specific group).” It replaces the noun.
  • 剩下 is a verb meaning “to be left over.” It describes what remains, often a quantity.
  • *Mistake:* `桌上有五个苹果，我吃了两个，其余三个。` (Incorrect/Unnatural)
  • *Correct:* `桌上有五个苹果，我吃了两个，剩下三个。` (There are three left over.)
  • *Correct:* `桌上有五个苹果，两个是红的，其余是绿的。` (The rest of the apples are green. Here, “其余” refers to the other members of the group, not a leftover quantity.)
• 其余 (qíyú) vs. 其他 (qítā):
  • These two are very close in meaning and are often interchangeable, especially in formal contexts. Both mean “the other(s)” or “the rest.”
  • 其余 often implies “the remainder of a whole” and has a slightly more literary or formal feel.
  • 其他 is slightly more versatile and common, simply meaning “other.”
  • *Example:* `今天三个同事请假了，其余/其他的人都来了。` (Both are correct here.)
  • In many cases, choosing between them is a matter of style, but “其余” can feel more definitive about referring to the *entire* remainder of a set.
• 其余 (qíyú) vs. 别的 (biéde):
  • 其余 refers to the rest of the items *within a specific, defined group*.
  • 别的 means “other” in a general sense, referring to things *outside* the group or of a different kind. It is also much more colloquial.
  • *Mistake:* `我不喜欢这家餐厅，我们去其余的吧。` (Incorrect)
  • *Correct:* `我不喜欢这家餐厅，我们去别的吧。` (Let's go to a different/another one.)
  • *Correct:* `这些菜你先选，其余的我们分。` (You choose from these specific dishes first, and we'll divide the rest [of these dishes].)

• 其他 (qítā) - A very close synonym for “other” or “the rest,” often interchangeable with `其余` but slightly more common and less formal.
• 剩下 (shèngxià) - To be left over; to remain. A verb focusing on the quantity or items that are left after a portion is taken away.
• 别的 (biéde) - Other, else. A colloquial term used to refer to things of a different kind or outside the current set.
• 另外 (lìngwài) - In addition; besides; another. Used when adding a different point or item to the discussion.
• 所有 (suǒyǒu) - All, every. Refers to the total group from which a part, and then “其余”, is taken.
• 部分 (bùfen) - Part, section. Often refers to the first part of a group that is separated, before “其余” is used to describe the remainder.
• 书面语 (shūmiànyǔ) - Written language. The primary context where `其余` is used.
• 口语 (kǒuyǔ) - Spoken language. The context where `其余` is rarely used, in favor of words like `别的` or `剩下`.