Translation guide
How to express the idea of allowing events to unfold naturally without interference, from casual acceptance to philosophical non-intervention.
To say that you will not interfere and will let things happen naturally, often with a sense of resignation or trust.
A common, natural phrase meaning 'to leave things to their own course' or 'to let things take their natural course'. Suitable for both personal and general situations.
結果は成り行きに任せよう。
Let's just see how things turn out.
彼の決断は成り行きに任せるしかない。
We have no choice but to let his decision take its course.
Literally 'to entrust to the flow of nature'. Emphasizes a natural, organic progression. Slightly more poetic or philosophical.
物事は自然の流れに任せるのが一番だ。
It's best to let things follow their natural course.
A very common casual expression meaning 'whatever will be, will be' or 'things will work out as they will'. Conveys a relaxed, accepting attitude.
心配しても仕方ない。なるようになるさ。
There's no point worrying. Whatever happens, happens.
Literally 'to entrust to the flow of time'. Used when you believe time will resolve things naturally. Somewhat literary.
この問題は時の流れに任せるしかない。
We can only let time take care of this problem.
To express that you will not push a relationship and will let feelings develop naturally.
Short for '自然の流れに任せる', often used in romantic contexts to mean 'let things happen naturally between us'.
焦らずに、二人の関係は自然に任せよう。
Let's not rush; let our relationship develop naturally.
Casual way to say 'go with the flow' in relationships or social situations.
デートの後は、いつも流れに任せてる。
After dates, I always just go with the flow.
To say that you will not seek aggressive treatment and will let the body heal itself.
Medical/health context. Means 'to rely on natural healing' or 'let the body heal itself'.
軽い風邪なら、自然治癒に任せるのがいい。
For a mild cold, it's best to let it run its course.
A more descriptive way to say 'let the body recover naturally'.
手術はせず、体の自然な回復に任せることにした。
We decided against surgery and to let the body heal naturally.
To express a deeper philosophical stance of not forcing things, akin to 'wu wei'.
A term from Taoism meaning 'effortless action' or 'natural non-intervention'. Used in philosophical or spiritual discussions.
彼の生き方は無為自然そのものだ。
His way of life is the epitome of letting nature take its course.
Both mean 'let nature take its course', but 成り行き (course of events) focuses on the unfolding of events, while 自然 (nature) emphasizes a natural, organic process. 成り行き is more common in business or everyday situations; 自然 is slightly more abstract or romantic.
交渉は成り行きに任せよう。
Let's let the negotiations take their course.
恋愛は自然に任せるのが一番。
It's best to let love take its natural course.
Do not translate 'let nature take its course' word-for-word as 自然にそのコースを取らせる. This is unnatural and will not be understood. Use the idiomatic phrases provided.
心配するのをやめて、成り行きに任せることにした。
I decided to stop worrying and let nature take its course.
時にはなるようになるさと構えていることも必要だ。
Sometimes you just have to let nature take its course.