lasciare andare
/laʃˈʃa.re anˈda.re/word by word
To let go in Italian is lasciare andare.
The phrase lasciare andare is used for both physical actions, such as releasing a grip and for abstract or emotional concepts, such as releasing a memory or a grudge.
Meaning: to no longer hold on (verb)
Which one should you use?
Abbandonare can be used in formal circumstances to convey the idea of letting go completely, while buttare via is an informal expression that can be used metaphorically to mean let go of an idea or a grudge. Mollare is a colloquial term used to convey the idea of letting go or giving up on something or someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using a direct object pronoun like 'him' or 'it', the pronoun is attached to the imperative form of lasciare as a suffix, such as in lascialo andare (let him/it go).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of lasciare andare is /laʃˈʃa.re anˈda.re/. It has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- To 'let go' of a secret in Italian, one might use lasciar trapelare, where trapelare evokes the image of water leaking through a crack.
- While lasciare andare describes the act of releasing, the colloquial term mollare is often used specifically to describe breaking up with a romantic partner.
- The word lasciare shares a common ancestor with the English word 'lax', which refers to something that is loose or not tight.
Examples in context
- Non lasciare andare la corda.Don't let go of the rope.This sentence is useful for practicing the physical action of letting go of the phrase lasciare andare.Tatoeba #5690438 by Guybrush88, translation #29431 by CK
- Cerca di lasciare andare le preoccupazioni.Try to let go of worries.This sentence is useful for practicing the abstract use of the phrase lasciare andare.Tatoeba #12128110 by Nuel, translation #12128109 by Nuel
- È difficile lasciare andare il dolore causato da altri.It’s hard to let go of the hurt caused by others.This sentence is useful for practicing the emotional use of the phrase lasciare andare.Tatoeba #13006591 by Nuel, translation #13006590 by Nuel
- Mi sono resa conto che devo abbandonare questa relazioneI've realized I need to let go of this relationship
- Hai provato a spiegargli, ma è meglio lasciar stareYou tried to explain to him, but it's better to let it go
- È il momento di buttare via tutti i rancoriIt's time to let go of all the grudges
- Non ti preoccupare, meglio mollare e provare qualcosa di nuovoDon't worry, it's better to let go and try something new
- Dai, lascia stare e divertiamociCome on, let it go and have fun
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are holding a balloon that is about to fly away.
- SofiaNon lasciare andare il palloncino!Don't let go of the balloon!
- AlessandroLo sto tenendo forte, Sofia.I'm holding it tightly, Sofia.
- SofiaOra puoi lasciare andare, guarda che volo!You can let go now, look at it fly!
- AlessandroVa bene, lo lascio andare adesso.Alright, I'll let it go now.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (lasciare, andare) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries andare, lasciare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
