Translation guide
How to express that something should remain in its current state without changes.
Tell someone not to change or move something; keep it in its current state.
A natural, common way to say 'leave it as it is'. Literally 'keep it in that state'.
そのままにしておいてください。
Please leave it as it is.
Leave the desk as it is.
Means 'it's fine as it is'. Often used when no change is needed.
そのままでいいよ。
It's fine as it is.
この書類、そのままでいいですか？
Is this document okay as it is?
Literally 'leave it in this state'. Slightly more explicit about the current state.
このままにしておきます。
I'll leave it as it is.
Means 'to leave alone' or 'to neglect'. Can sound negative if used for things that need attention.
問題を放置してはいけない。
You must not leave the problem as it is.
Tell someone not to bother or disturb another person.
Means 'leave them alone' in a gentle, caring way. Implies giving someone space.
彼は疲れているから、そっとしておいて。
He's tired, so leave him alone.
More direct 'leave me/them alone'. Can be casual or slightly annoyed.
放っておいてくれ。
Leave me alone.
Means 'don't mind me' or 'leave me be'. Polite but can be used when you don't want to be bothered.
どうか構わないでください。
Please leave me alone.
Express that a situation or arrangement should remain as it is, without intervention.
Means 'maintaining the status quo'. Common in business or formal contexts.
現状維持でお願いします。
Please leave things as they are.
Similar to 'そのままでいい' but emphasizes the current situation rather than a specific object.
このままでいいですか？
Is it okay to leave it like this?
Let someone else decide; not interfere with their choice.
Means 'to leave something to someone' or 'entrust'. Very common for decisions.
それは君に任せるよ。
I'll leave that up to you.
判断はあなたに任せます。
I'll leave the decision to you.
Polite version of 任せる. Often used when letting a professional handle something.
料理はシェフにお任せします。
I'll leave the cooking to the chef.
The English phrase 'leave as is' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Using 去る (さる, to leave) or まま (as is) alone will not convey the meaning. Use the phrases above depending on context.
そのまま refers to something previously mentioned or visible ('that state'), while このまま refers to the current situation ('this state'). Both can often be used, but そのまま is more common for objects, and このまま for situations.
そのままにしておいて。
Leave that as it is.
このままでは問題だ。
If things stay like this, it's a problem.