Translation guide
The English phrase "let pass" can mean to allow someone or something to go by, to overlook or forgive a mistake, or to not take advantage of an opportunity. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each of these meanings.
To permit someone or something to pass through or go ahead, often physically.
General verb meaning to let pass, let through, or allow to enter. Used for people, vehicles, light, etc.
Please let him pass.
This gate does not let cars pass.
Literally 'let go ahead'. Used when allowing someone to go before you, e.g., in a queue or on a path.
Please go ahead. (Letting someone pass)
I let her go first.
Formal or technical term for letting something pass through a checkpoint, gate, or filter.
The guard did not let him pass.
To intentionally ignore a minor error, offense, or rule violation; to let it slide.
To overlook, let pass, or turn a blind eye to something, often a mistake or wrongdoing.
I'll let it pass this time.
To be lenient, to overlook something generously. Often used when forgiving a minor fault.
Formal expression meaning to let something pass without questioning or to overlook an offense.
To deliberately refrain from using a chance, offer, or opening; to let it go by.
To pass up, to let an opportunity go by, to refrain from doing something for now.
We let that proposal pass this time.
To miss, let slip, or fail to catch. Often used when an opportunity is lost unintentionally, but can be used for deliberate inaction.
Casual loanword from English 'through', meaning to ignore or let something pass without reacting. Often used for comments or offers.
I let his joke pass (ignored it).
Both mean to overlook, but 見逃す can be neutral or negative (failing to notice), while 大目に見る implies intentional leniency and generosity.
I can't let his rudeness pass.
It's just a child's prank, so please let it pass.
I overlooked his mistake.
Let's let his lateness pass.
The matter was let pass (without further inquiry).
It's a waste to let a chance pass.
絶好の機会を逃した。
I let a golden opportunity pass.