Stay behind Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈsteɪ/ /bɪˈhaɪnd

STAY bi-HYND

UK

stˈeɪ/ /bɪhˈaɪnd

stay bih-HYND

Definition

To remain in a place after others have left, or to not keep up with others.

Usage & Nuances

Often used for physically staying in a place (like after class ends), or for falling behind in progress. Collocations: 'asked to stay behind', 'stay behind after class'. Not formal, but polite in most contexts. Can mean being left out or delayed.

• Spanish: quedarse atrás - quedarse (después de irse todos)
• Portuguese (BR): ficar para trás - ficar (após todos saírem)
• Portuguese (PT): ficar para trás - ficar (depois de todos saírem)
• Chinese (Simplified): 留下 - 落后
• Chinese (Traditional): 留下 - 落後
• Hindi: पीछे रहना
• Arabic: البقاء خلف - يتخلف
• Bengali: পিছনে থাকা - থেকে যাওয়া
• Russian: остаться - задержаться
• Japanese: 残る - 居残る
• Vietnamese: ở lại - tụt lại sau
• Korean: 남다 - 뒤쳐지다
• Turkish: geride kalmak - arkada kalmak
• Urdu: پیچھے رہ جانا - رک جانا
• Indonesian: tetap tinggal - tertinggal

Example Sentences

I have to stay behind after school for extra help.

basic

Please stay behind after the meeting for a quick chat.

basic

He didn't want to stay behind while his friends went ahead.

basic

Can you stay behind and lock up when everyone leaves?

natural

She chose to stay behind in her hometown instead of moving to the city.

natural

If you don't hurry, you'll stay behind and miss the bus.

natural