Translation guide
To allow something to drop or descend, either intentionally or unintentionally. Japanese uses different verbs depending on whether the action is deliberate, accidental, or involves releasing a held object.
The speaker intentionally lets go of something, causing it to fall.
The most common verb for deliberately dropping something. It implies the object falls downward.
彼はコップを落とした。
He dropped the cup (on purpose).
わざと本を落とした。
I deliberately let the book fall.
Literally 'release one's hand'. Used when letting go of something you are holding, causing it to fall.
ロープから手を離してしまった。
I let go of the rope and it fell.
To release or let go. Often used for releasing a grip, allowing something to fall or move freely.
鳥を放したら飛んでいった。
When I released the bird, it flew away.
The speaker unintentionally lets something fall.
Also used for accidental dropping. Context or adverbs like うっかり (carelessly) clarify the unintentional nature.
スマホを落として画面が割れた。
I dropped my smartphone and the screen cracked.
うっかり財布を落とした。
I accidentally dropped my wallet.
Adds a nuance of regret or accident. Often used when the action was unintentional and unfortunate.
大事な花瓶を落としてしまった。
I accidentally dropped the precious vase.
To let something fall in a controlled manner, like lowering a rope or letting hair down.
To let something hang down or dangle. Used for hair, ropes, curtains, etc.
彼女は髪を肩に垂らしていた。
She let her hair fall over her shoulders.
窓からロープを垂らした。
I let a rope down from the window.
To lower something. Can be used for blinds, windows, or objects being let down.
To casually mention or drop a comment.
To let slip a word or remark, often unintentionally or casually.
彼は秘密の言葉を漏らした。
He let fall a secret word.
To hint at or drop a hint. More deliberate than 漏らす.
彼女は辞職をほのめかした。
She let fall a hint about resigning.
落とす is for dropping something downward, often with a sense of falling freely. 垂らす is for letting something hang or dangle, like hair or a rope. 下ろす is for lowering something in a controlled way, like blinds or a load.
Do not translate 'let fall' literally as 落ちさせる or 落とさせる. These forms are grammatical but unnatural for this meaning. Use the verbs provided above.
I let down the blinds and darkened the room.