Translation guide
The English phrase 'let do' expresses permission or allowance for someone to perform an action. In Japanese, this is typically expressed through causative forms, permission-giving verbs, or contextual phrasing. The most common and natural way is using the causative form of verbs with 〜させる (or 〜せる for ichidan verbs).
I let him go.
Let me do it.
The speaker allows or permits someone to perform an action.
Use the causative form of the verb followed by てあげる (when the speaker gives permission), てくれる (when someone gives permission to the speaker), or てもらう (when the speaker receives permission). This pattern clearly indicates who is allowing whom.
I let the child play the game.
The teacher let me give the presentation.
The plain causative form can imply permission in context, especially when the subject is clearly allowing the action. However, it can also mean 'make/force someone do', so context is crucial.
Without additional context, this can be ambiguous between 'let' and 'make'. Use てあげる etc. for clarity.
My mother let me study abroad. (or made me, depending on context)
The verb 許可する means 'to permit' or 'to allow'. It is more formal and often used in official or written contexts.
The company let him take a vacation.
許す means 'to forgive' or 'to allow', but it often carries a nuance of tolerance or forgiveness rather than simple permission. It can sound dramatic or emotional.
He didn't let me make mistakes.
The speaker does not stop someone from doing something, often implying a passive allowance.
This pattern means 'to leave someone doing something' or 'to let someone do as they please'. It emphasizes non-interference.
I let her do as she liked.
When the focus is on receiving the benefit of someone's action, てもらう can imply letting them do it for you. This is less about permission and more about allowing a favor.
I let him cook for me. (I had him cook for me.)
While not a direct translation of 'let do', 〜てもいい is the standard way to ask for or grant permission. It is essential for learners.
May I take photos here? (literally: Is it okay if I take photos?)
The causative form (〜させる) can express both 'make' and 'let'. To clearly express 'let', use 〜させてあげる or 〜させてくれる. For asking permission, 〜てもいい is more natural than the causative. For example, 'Can I go?' is 行ってもいいですか, not 行かせてくれますか.
Will you let me go? (possible but less common for simple permission)
There is no single Japanese verb that directly corresponds to 'let'. Using させる alone can be misinterpreted as forcing. Always consider the relationship and use appropriate giving/receiving verbs (あげる/くれる/もらう) to clarify the direction of permission.
Yes, you may take photos. (I'll let you take photos.)