Translation guide
Expressing the idea of allowing someone or something to escape, miss an opportunity, or release something. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to convey these meanings.
To let a person or animal physically escape or get away, often through negligence or intentionally.
The most direct verb for letting someone or something escape. Can be used for both intentional release and accidental letting go.
I let the thief get away.
I let the caught bird go.
Passive form of 逃げる (to escape), often used when someone escapes from you, implying you let them get away or failed to stop them.
The criminal got away from me.
To fail to catch; to let slip away. Often used when you almost caught something but it escaped.
I let a big fish get away.
To let a chance, opportunity, or deal slip away.
Used for missing opportunities, chances, or timing. Often used in compound verbs like 見逃す (overlook) or 聞き逃す (fail to catch what was said).
I let a golden opportunity get away.
I missed the train.
Emphasizes the regrettable nature of missing something. 〜てしまう adds a nuance of 'unfortunately' or 'accidentally'.
I let a good opportunity slip away.
To fail to get; to miss out on. Often used for failing to obtain something desirable.
To intentionally release or let go of something you are holding, or to set free.
To release, let go of, or set free. Can be used for physical objects, animals, or people.
Let go of my hand.
I let the dog go.
To release, set free, liberate. More formal and often used for freeing from confinement or restrictions.
They released the hostage.
To deliberately let someone or something escape as a favor or act of mercy. 〜てやる implies doing it for someone's benefit.
I let the bug I caught go.
To accidentally let out a sound, remark, or secret.
逃がす (にがす) is transitive and means to let escape or set free, often with a sense of physical release. 逃す (のがす) is also transitive but focuses on missing an opportunity or failing to catch. They are not interchangeable.
Do not translate 'let get away' literally as 逃げさせる or similar. The natural Japanese depends heavily on context. Use the options above based on what is being let get away.
I missed out on the limited edition item.
I let my true feelings slip out.