手放す
tebanasu[te̞ba̠na̠sɨ]
The English phrase "let go" is translated into Japanese as 手放す (tebanasu).
手放す is used to describe the act of no longer holding onto something. While it can literally mean to release a physical object from one's hand, it is also commonly used to mean selling off or parting with an asset or possession.
Meaning: to no longer hold on (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
tebanasu
Did you know?
- The verb 放す (hanasu) is a homophone for the word 話す ('to speak'), meaning that in spoken Japanese, 'letting go' and 'talking' sound identical.
- In Japanese culture, the act of 手放す (tebanasu) is central to the 'Danshari' philosophy, which encourages letting go of material possessions to declutter the mind.
- If you were to say you are 'letting go' of a person in a relationship, tebanasu might sound oddly physical, as if you were literally releasing their hand.
Examples in context
- 彼女はすべての悩みから解放されました。She was freed from all her worries.
- 古い服を手放し、新しいものを買いました。I let go of my old clothes and bought new ones.
- 友達が私の手を離して行きました。My friend let go of my hand and left.
- 執着を手放すことが大切です。shūchaku o tebanasu koto ga taisetsu desu.It is important to let go of attachments.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 手放す, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
