Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Let" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "let", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
手放す
てばなす (tebanasu)
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 手放す and 水に流す.
In Japanese, 手放す (てばなす (tebanasu)) is typically associated with "to let go of, to part with, to release" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can be used literally to mean 'letting go of something held' or figuratively to mean 'giving up possession, control, or an opportunity'. Often implies a sense of loss or separation..
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 "手放す"
大切にしていた時計を手放すことにした。
I decided to part with the watch I cherished.
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: "大切にしていた時計を ＿＿＿ ことにした。" (Meaning: "I decided to part with the watch I cherished.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "手放す" fits here because it means "to let go of, to part with, to release" in the context of: "I decided to part with the watch I cherished.". "水に流す" represents "let bygones be bygones".