Usage of 其余
The word 其余 (qí yú) is commonly used to refer to "the rest" or "the remaining part" of a group or set. It often appears in formal or written contexts but is also used in spoken Mandarin when distinguishing between parts of a whole.
Common Contexts
- Referring to the remainder of tasks, items, or people after some have been singled out.
- Used to contrast a specific element with the rest, e.g., 除了他以外，其他人 (everyone except him).
Collocations and Patterns
- 其余部分 (the remaining part): used to specify the leftover portion.
- 其余时间 (the rest of the time): commonly used in scheduling or time management.
- 其余的人 (the rest of the people): to refer to the other people not previously mentioned.
Nuances
Using 其余 emphasizes a clear division between the mentioned subset and the rest. It is more formal than just using 其他 (other) alone and often appears in written or semi-formal speech. Avoid confusing 其余 with 其他; 其他 means "other" in a more general sense, while 其余 specifically means "the rest of the group after some have been singled out."
Summary
Use 其余 when you want to highlight the remainder of a group or set after some elements have been identified. It helps clarify distinctions and is useful in both spoken and written Mandarin, especially in formal contexts.