'逗留' (dòu liú) is a verb meaning 'to stay temporarily' — not permanently, but for a limited time in a place, often during travel, transit, or short visits. The character 逗 (dòu) originally meant 'to linger' or 'to pause,' while 留 (liú) means 'to remain' or 'to stay.' Together, they emphasize a brief, intentional pause without settling down. It’s commonly used in formal or neutral contexts: at airports, hotels, tourist sites, or when describing someone’s itinerary.

This word implies the stay is neither accidental nor long-term; it carries a sense of purpose and transience. You wouldn’t use 逗留 for living in a city for years, nor for accidentally missing a train. Instead, it fits situations like waiting for a flight connection, visiting a friend en route, or pausing during a hiking trip. It’s more precise and slightly more formal than just saying 'stay' (待 dāi), and avoids the casual tone of 'hang out' (闲逛 xiánguàng).