Translation guide
The English phrase 'let go' covers several distinct meanings: physically releasing something, emotionally moving on, dismissing someone from a job, and more. This guide breaks down each meaning and provides natural Japanese expressions.
To stop holding something with your hands or body, allowing it to fall or be free.
Transitive verb meaning to separate or let go of something you are holding. Often used with を.
Please let go of my hand.
Don't let go of the rope!
Also read はなす, this kanji emphasizes releasing or setting free, often used for animals or letting go of something you've been holding back.
I let the bird go.
Literally 'loosen one's hand', used when relaxing a grip rather than completely letting go.
He loosened his grip and let her go.
To stop thinking about or being upset by something; to accept a situation and move forward.
Means to give up or resign oneself. Commonly used when you stop pursuing something or accept a loss.
I've let go of him already.
To get over something emotionally, to shake off negative feelings. More active than 諦める.
To not be hung up on something, to not obsess. Often used in advice.
Don't let the little things bother you. (Let go of small things.)
To fire someone or end their employment.
To set someone or something free from a confined space or situation.
To permit someone to go away from a place or situation.
To stop restraining an action, emotion, or force.
Directly translating 'let go' as 行かせる or 離す can sound unnatural if the intended meaning is emotional. Always consider the context: physical release, emotional acceptance, or dismissal.
Let go of the past (emotionally)
諦める implies resignation or giving up, while 吹っ切る suggests actively overcoming and moving past something. Use 諦める when you stop trying, and 吹っ切る when you shake off lingering feelings.
Let go of my hand!
I can't let go of the past.
The company had to let go of several employees.
Let's let go of past failures.
失恋を吹っ切るのに時間がかかった。
It took time to let go of the heartbreak.
彼は昨日首になった。
He was let go yesterday.
上司が彼のクビを切った。
The boss let him go.
捕まえた魚を逃がした。
I let the fish I caught go.
It's late, so let's let him go home.
He let his emotions go.