Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "let out" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: releasing something confined, making a sound, revealing information, and adjusting clothing to make it larger.
To allow a person, animal, or substance to go out of a confined space.
General verb meaning 'to let out' or 'to put out'. Used for releasing people, animals, or things.
Please let the dog out.
彼は猫を庭に出した。
He let the cat out into the garden.
Means 'to let escape' or 'to set free', often used when something was captured or confined.
捕まえた虫を逃がしてあげた。
I let the bug I caught go.
Formal word for 'release' or 'set free', used for prisoners, hostages, etc.
人質は無事に解放された。
The hostages were let out safely.
To produce a sudden sound, such as a scream, sigh, or cry.
Pattern used with sound nouns like 悲鳴 (scream), ため息 (sigh), 声 (voice). Literally 'raise a sound'.
彼女は大きな悲鳴をあげた。
She let out a loud scream.
彼は深いため息をついた。
He let out a deep sigh.
Means 'to let leak out', used for sounds or words that escape unintentionally.
彼は思わず笑いを漏らした。
He let out an involuntary laugh.
To disclose a secret or information, often unintentionally.
Literally 'leak a secret'. Common phrase for letting out confidential information.
彼はうっかり秘密を漏らしてしまった。
He accidentally let out the secret.
Idiom meaning 'to let slip' or 'to blurt out'. Implies an accidental revelation.
彼はつい口を滑らせて真実を話した。
He let out the truth by slipping up.
Casual verb meaning 'to disclose' or 'to give away' a secret.
To adjust a garment so it becomes looser or larger.
Tailoring term meaning 'to let out' a seam. Literally 'take out the tuck'.
このズボンのウエストを少し出してください。
Please let out the waist of these pants a little.
General phrase meaning 'to make bigger', can be used for clothing alterations.
このジャケットをもう少し大きくできますか？
Can you let out this jacket a bit more?
To dismiss or release from an obligation, such as school or work.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to end'. Used for school, meetings, etc.
学校は何時に終わりますか？
What time does school let out?
Means 'to dismiss' or 'to break up' a gathering. Used for meetings, classes, etc.
会議は5時に解散した。
The meeting let out at 5.
Who let out the secret?