Translation guide
How to express the idea of forgiving and forgetting past offenses or disagreements in Japanese.
The speaker wants to move on from a past conflict or mistake and restore a good relationship.
Literally 'to let it flow away in the water'. This is the most common and natural way to say 'let bygones be bygones' in Japanese. It implies washing away past troubles and starting fresh.
過去のことは水に流そう。
Let's let bygones be bygones.
彼は昔の喧嘩を水に流してくれた。
He let bygones be bygones about our old fight.
A straightforward way to say 'forget the past'. It's clear and can be used in many situations, though it's slightly less idiomatic than 水に流す.
もう過去のことは忘れよう。
Let's just forget the past.
Literally 'to treat it as if it never happened'. This is a casual, common way to suggest moving on from a mistake or argument, often used between friends or family.
昨日のことはなかったことにしよう。
Let's pretend yesterday never happened.
A formal, literary expression meaning 'do not blame the past'. It's a set phrase that can be used in writing or formal speeches, but is rare in everyday conversation.
既往は咎めず、これから協力していきましょう。
Let bygones be bygones and work together from now on.
水に流す is more about forgiving and moving on from a conflict, often with a sense of emotional cleansing. なかったことにする is more casual and can be used for minor mistakes or awkward moments, implying you'll just act like it never happened.
彼の失礼な態度は水に流してあげた。
I let his rude behavior slide (forgave him).
さっきの変な発言はなかったことにして。
Forget that weird thing I said earlier.
This phrase is often used when you want to reconcile with someone. It can be used in both casual and formal settings. Adding もう (already) emphasizes that the past is truly behind you.