Translation guide
The phrasal verb "let off" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: releasing something (like steam or a smell), allowing someone to leave a vehicle, not punishing someone, and making something explode. Each meaning has different natural Japanese equivalents.
To allow something like steam, gas, a smell, or a sound to escape or be produced.
General verb for releasing or emitting something into the air. Can be used for steam, gas, heat, etc.
工場が煙を放出している。
The factory is letting off smoke.
Often used for emitting sounds, smells, light, or heat. Slightly more formal/literary.
その花は強い香りを発している。
The flower is letting off a strong scent.
Very common and versatile verb meaning 'to put out' or 'to emit'. Used in many contexts.
やかんが蒸気を出している。
The kettle is letting off steam.
Specifically for making a sound. Literally 'to make a sound stand'.
彼は大きなため息をついて音を立てた。
He let off a loud sigh.
To let someone get off a bus, train, car, etc.
Transitive verb meaning 'to let someone off' a vehicle. The driver or person in charge does the action.
運転手は私を駅の前で降ろしてくれた。
The driver let me off in front of the station.
Literally 'to tell to get off'. Used when instructing someone to disembark.
バスの運転手は乗客に次の停留所で降りるように言った。
The bus driver told the passengers to let off at the next stop.
To allow someone to escape punishment or to give a light punishment.
General verb for 'to forgive' or 'to let off'. Can be used for minor offenses.
警察は彼を警告だけで許した。
The police let him off with just a warning.
Idiom meaning 'to overlook' or 'to let off easy'. Implies leniency.
Directly means 'not to punish'. Simple and clear.
先生は遅刻した生徒を罰しなかった。
The teacher let off the students who were late.
Formal word for 'to exempt' from a duty or punishment.
裁判官は彼の刑を免除した。
The judge let him off his sentence.
To make something explode or fire a weapon.
Specifically for launching fireworks or rockets into the sky.
彼らは花火を打ち上げた。
They let off fireworks.
General verb for causing an explosion. Can be used for bombs.
テロリストが爆弾を爆発させた。
The terrorists let off a bomb.
Formal/technical term for firing a gun.
兵士が銃を発砲した。
The soldier let off his gun.
The English phrasal verb 'let off' does not have a single direct Japanese equivalent. Always choose the expression based on the specific meaning (release, disembark, forgive, explode).
I'll let you off this time.