отпусти́ть
otpustítʹperfective
The English phrase 'let go' is translated into Russian as отпусти́ть (otpustítʹ). Wiktionary also lists отпуска́ть (otpuskátʹ).
Meaning: to no longer hold on (verb)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| отпусти́ть | otpustítʹ | perfective |
| отпуска́ть | otpuskátʹ | imperfective |
The verb can be used both physically (releasing a grip) and figuratively (letting go of a grudge or a person).
What does it mean word for word?
In the form отпусти́ть, the prefix от- signifies movement away from or separation from something.
Which one should you use?
The imperfective form отпуска́ть is used for the ongoing process of letting go or for repeated actions. In contrast, the perfective form отпусти́ть is used for a single, completed action of letting go.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb отпустить takes the accusative case for the object being released.
How do you pronounce it?
otpustítʹ
Did you know?
- The Russian word for 'vacation', отпуск, shares the same root as отпуска́ть. It literally describes a period where a worker is 'let go' from their professional duties.
- In Russian, отпусти́ть is the standard way to say 'to ease' or 'to subside' when talking about pain. A patient tells a doctor that their pain has отпусти́ло, meaning the pain has finally 'let go' of them.
- The word отпуст is the root for 'absolution' in the Russian Orthodox Church. When a priest grants forgiveness for sins, he is essentially 'letting go' of the believer's guilt.
Examples in context
- Мне нужно отпустить прошлоеI need to let go of the past.
- Директор решил освободить сотрудникаThe director decided to let go of the employee.
- Я решил отпустить этот стрессI decided to let go of this stress.
- Пожалуйста, отпустите мою рукуPlease, let go of my hand.
- Не забы́вай отпусти́ть воздушный шарик.Ne zabyvay otpustit' vozdushnyy sharik.Don't forget to let go of the balloon.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are at a park with a balloon.
- Александр AleksandrСмотри, как высоко он летит!Smotri, kak vysoko on letit!Look how high it flies!
- Ольга OlgaПора его отпусти́ть.Pora yego otpustit'.It is time to let it go.
- Александр AleksandrТы готова отпусти́ть его?Ty gotova otpustit' yego?Are you ready to let it go?
- Ольга OlgaДа, я отпусти́ла его.Da, ya otpustila yego.Yes, I let it go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “let go” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
