Translation guide
How to express accidentally revealing information in Japanese, from casual blurting to formal leaks.
To unintentionally reveal a secret or private thought through speech.
Literally 'to let one's mouth slip'. The most common and natural way to say 'let slip' in conversation.
つい口を滑らせて、サプライズのことを話してしまった。
I accidentally let slip about the surprise.
To say something carelessly or without thinking. Emphasizes the accidental nature.
To let something physical slip from one's grasp or control.
Literally 'to let one's hand slip'. Used when you accidentally drop something because your grip slipped.
手を滑らせて、コップを落としてしまった。
I let the cup slip from my hands and dropped it.
To fail to take advantage of a chance or moment.
Standard phrase for missing an opportunity. 'Let a chance slip by'.
絶好のチャンスを逃してしまった。
I let a golden opportunity slip by.
The English phrase 'let slip' has no single direct equivalent. Always choose the Japanese expression based on what is slipping: words, objects, or opportunities.
彼はうっかり秘密を言ってしまった。
He carelessly let the secret slip.
To leak (information). Often used when secrets are disclosed, intentionally or not.
彼女は思わず本音を漏らした。
She inadvertently let her true feelings slip.
Onomatopoeic phrase for blurting something out casually or accidentally. Conveys a light, unintentional slip.
彼はぽろっと秘密を言ってしまった。
He blurted out the secret.
To let escape, miss, or lose. Used for opportunities, animals, or things slipping away.
彼は釣った魚を逃してしまった。
He let the fish he caught slip away.
Formal or written expression for missing an opportunity.
彼は昇進の機会を逸した。
He let the chance for promotion slip away.