Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 放手 | fàngshǒu |
| 放开 | fàngkāi |
| 放開 / 放开 | fàngkāi |
In Chinese, the choice of word depends on whether you are releasing a physical grip or letting go of something abstract, such as an emotion or a person in a relationship. 放手 is the standard way to describe letting someone go in the context of a breakup or a relationship, and it is frequently used metaphorically to mean letting go of an ambition. 放开 is more commonly used for the physical act of releasing a grip or opening something that was held closed. For casual, everyday contexts, the colloquial phrase 放掉 can also be used to express the act of letting go.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 放手 literally means 'to release the hand'.
Which one should you use?
放开 refers to the physical act of releasing a grip or opening something, whereas 放手 is often used metaphorically to describe letting go of a person, a relationship or an ambition.
How do you pronounce it?
fàngshǒu
Did you know?
- To say 'let go' in a way that means 'be more relaxed' or 'loosen up', Chinese speakers use 放宽心, which literally means 'widen the heart'.
- If you use the word 放掉 to mean letting go of a person, it can sound quite cold or callous, as if you are treating the person like a discarded object or a piece of trash.
- The term 放手 can be used as an adjective to describe a 'bold' or 'unrestrained' style of painting or writing.
Examples in context
- 我放开了绳子。I let go of the rope.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 放开 to describe releasing a physical object.Tatoeba #924076 by jessie0422, translation #261966 by CK
- 请松开我的胳膊Please let go of my arm.
- 请松开我的手。Please let go of my hand.
- 你应该学会放手。nǐ yīng gāi xué huì fàng shǒu.You should learn to let go.
Example conversation
Zihan is holding Haoran's arm to stop him from leaving.
- 梓涵 Zihan浩然，你不能走！Hàorán, nǐ bùnéng zǒu!Haoran, you cannot leave!
- 浩然 Haoran梓涵，请你放手。Zǐhán, qǐng nǐ fàngshǒu.Zihan, please let go.
- 梓涵 Zihan我不放手！Wǒ bù fàngshǒu!I won't let go!
- 浩然 Haoran这样太没礼貌了。Zhèyàng tài méi lǐmào le.This is too rude.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “let go” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
