離して
hanashite
To say "let go of me" in Japanese, use 離して (hanashite), a direct request for someone to stop holding you.
離して is used when someone is physically gripping your arm, hand or clothing and you want them to release it. Said sharply as 離して！ it works like the English let go!
What does it mean word for word?
離して is the te form of the verb meaning to release or let go of. Used on its own, the te form works as a request.
Which one should you use?
私を離してください。 (Watashi wo hanashite kudasai.) is a formal please release me. 手を離して！ means let go of my hand. 離せ (hanase) is a forceful, blunt command used in high stress or aggressive situations.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
離して is an informal request or command suitable for friends or casual settings. 私を離してください。 is formal. 離せ is a blunt imperative.
How do you pronounce it?
It is pronounced hanashite. The i after the sh sound is very soft and often almost silent.
Did you know?
- The verb 離す (hanasu) is a homophone for the verb meaning 'to speak'. Depending on the context, 離して could be mistaken for a request to 'talk' or 'tell a story'.
- In extremely formal or polite Japanese, a person might avoid saying 離して entirely and instead use a vague phrase like すみませんが ('excuse me') while gently pulling away to imply the request.
- The forceful version 離せ ('hanase') is used as a specific trope in anime and manga to signal a character's shift to a dominant or aggressive persona.
Examples in context
- 痛いから、早く離して。itai kara, hayaku hanashite.It hurts, so let go of me quickly.
- もう、離してよ！mou, hanashite yo!Hey, let go of me!
- 手が痛いので、離してください。te ga itai node, hanashite kudasai.My hand hurts, so please let go of me.
Example conversation
Misaki is holding Ren's arm to stop him from leaving.
- 蓮 Ren美咲、離して。Misaki, hanashite.Misaki, let go of me.
- 美咲 Misakiダメ。まだ話があるの。Dame. Mada hanashi ga aru no.No. I still have things to say.
- 蓮 Ren今は無理だ。離してくれ。Ima wa muri da. Hanashite kure.I can't right now. Let me go.
- 美咲 Misakiわかったわ。離すね。Wakatta wa. Hanasu ne.I understand. I'll let go.
