Translation guide
The English word "release" covers many distinct actions: letting go of something physical, setting someone free, making something available to the public, or relieving an emotion. Japanese uses different verbs and nouns for each of these situations. This guide breaks them down by the intended meaning.
To stop holding something so that it falls or becomes free.
The most common verb for releasing your grip on something. Transitive: you release an object.
Please let go of my hand.
He released the rope.
Similar to 離す but often implies setting something free or letting it go loose, like an animal or a held object. Can be written with the same kanji in some contexts.
Literally 'loosen one's hand'. Used when you relax your grip rather than completely letting go.
To free someone from captivity, prison, or confinement.
The standard verb for releasing people from captivity, oppression, or restrictions. Also used for freeing animals.
To launch or publish a new product, film, album, software update, etc.
Used for commercial release of products like books, CDs, games, electronics. 'Go on sale'.
To stop pressing or holding a mechanical device so it returns to its original state.
Same verb as 'let go of something'. Used for buttons, levers, etc.
To let out pent-up feelings or relieve pressure.
To release or let out stress, energy, emotions. Often used with ストレス.
To emit or discharge something into the environment.
To release, emit, or discharge substances, heat, radiation, etc. Technical/formal.
To officially make information public.
To announce or release information officially.
発売 is for commercial products you can buy (books, CDs, games). 公開 is for movies, software, or making something viewable/accessible. リリース is a loanword used in tech and entertainment, often interchangeable with 公開 for software.
This game was released last month.
鳥を放してあげた。
I released the bird.
He loosened his grip and set her free.
The hostages were released safely.
The country released the slaves.
Specifically used for release from police custody or prison. Formal/legal term.
The suspect was released due to lack of evidence.
To let someone or an animal escape, often intentionally. Implies releasing so they can go free.
I released the frog I caught.
The new iPhone will be released next month.
His new single was released yesterday.
Used for releasing movies, software, or information to the public. 'Make public'.
The movie will be released next week.
The new version was released.
Loanword from English, common in software, music, and entertainment industries. Casual/technical.
We released the latest version of the app.
To announce or release information, findings, or a statement. Not for physical products.
They released the research results.
Release the button to start recording.
To release a lock, brake, or security mechanism. 'Disengage' or 'cancel'.
Please release the parking brake.
I release stress through exercise.
Can be used metaphorically for releasing emotions or freeing oneself from worries.
I released my heart and felt free.
Literally 'spit out emotions'. To vent or release feelings strongly.
I released my emotions to my friend.
The factory released harmful substances.
To discharge or emit waste, exhaust, etc. Often used for gases and liquids.
Cars release carbon dioxide.
The government released a new policy.
To make public, disclose. Often used for scandals or previously hidden information.
The company released the loss figures.
新作映画が公開された。
The new movie was released.
While リリース is common in IT and music, it sounds unnatural for physical goods like cars or appliances. Use 発売 instead.