Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Let" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "let", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
取り逃がす
とりにがす (torinigasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
水に流す
みずにながす (mizuninagasu)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "let" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 取り逃がす and 水に流す.
In Japanese, 取り逃がす (とりにがす (torinigasu)) is typically associated with "to let slip away; to fail to catch" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the act of failing to capture, secure, or hold onto something or someone that was within reach, often implying regret or a missed opportunity..
On the other hand, 水に流す (みずにながす (mizuninagasu)) maps to "let bygones be bygones" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "let" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "取り逃がす"
警察はあと一歩のところで犯人を取り逃がしてしまった。
The police let the culprit slip away at the last moment.
Bilingual Context for "水に流す"
私は水に流すに興味があります。
I am interested in let bygones be bygones.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "警察はあと一歩のところで犯人を取り逃がしてしまった。" (Meaning: "The police let the culprit slip away at the last moment.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "取り逃がす" fits here because it means "to let slip away; to fail to catch" in the context of: "The police let the culprit slip away at the last moment.". "水に流す" represents "let bygones be bygones".