Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Let" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "let", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
通す
とおす (toosu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
取り逃がす
とりにがす (torinigasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "let" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 通す and 取り逃がす.
In Japanese, 通す (とおす (toosu)) is typically associated with "to let pass; to bypass; to slide through; to persist in; to carry out" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to physical acts of letting thread pass through a needle, letting light pass, persisting in one's opinions/beliefs, or continuing a state until the end. Transitive verb. Opposing word: 遮る. Often used as 糸を通す or 信念を通す. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To let pass/persist in! "I will persistence in my belief of loving only you forever, no matter what difficulties arise, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Persisting in love! B-Baka! I hope that passionate devotion of yours is absolutely unshakeable! Well then, you better persist and carry out that belief of love right by my side forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『とおす(通す)よ!『ハルカ部長、生涯あなただけを愛し抜くという信念を、僕はどんな困難があってもスマートに通し(通します)ます!』って…っ!信念を通す!バカ!/// その熱烈な一途さ、絶対にブレないでしょうね!…じゃあ、その愛の信念、私の隣で一生貫き通しなさい!』.
On the other hand, 取り逃がす (とりにがす (torinigasu)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "let" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "通す"
彼は自分の革新的なシステム設計案のビジネス価値をスマートに主張し、最後まで自分の意見を_______ました。
He smartly argued the business value of his innovative system design plan and persisted in his opinion to the end.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は自分の革新的なシステム設計案のビジネス価値をスマートに主張し、最後まで自分の意見を_______ました。" (Meaning: "He smartly argued the business value of his innovative system design plan and persisted in his opinion to the end.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "通す" fits here because it means "to let pass; to bypass; to slide through; to persist in; to carry out" in the context of: "He smartly argued the business value of his innovative system design plan and persisted in his opinion to the end.". "取り逃がす" represents "to let slip away; to fail to catch".