Translation guide
How to express the idea of letting something pass by, such as an opportunity, a person, or time, in natural Japanese.
To miss or intentionally let an opportunity go by without taking it.
Common verb meaning to miss or let slip an opportunity. Can be used both for accidental missing and intentional letting go.
To allow someone or something to go past you physically.
To let someone or something pass through. Often used when you step aside or give permission.
To allow time to go by without taking action, often waiting for something.
To let some time pass before doing something. Common in advice about waiting.
せっかくのチャンスを逃してしまった。
I let a great opportunity go by.
To overlook or let something pass by without noticing or taking action. Often implies a missed chance.
He let a golden opportunity go by.
To let something pass by intentionally, often to avoid trouble or wait for a better moment. Can be used for opportunities, but more commonly for letting a person or vehicle pass.
It's better to let this opportunity go by.
I stepped aside and let him go by.
To let someone go ahead of you. Casual and natural in daily conversation.
Please go ahead. (Let me let you go by.)
To let someone or something pass by, often while waiting or hiding. Can be used for people, cars, or time.
I let the car go by.
Let's let some time go by and then talk again.
To wait for time to pass. More literal, but natural in certain contexts.
I was just letting time go by.
To spend time, often in a leisurely way. Can imply letting time pass without much activity.
I let the time go by relaxing in the park.