lascia perdere
The Italian phrase for "let it go" is lascia perdere.
lascia perdere is used when you want to suggest that someone stop worrying about something or stop trying to resolve a situation that is not worth the effort.
Which one should you use?
While lascia perdere often implies giving up on a person or a fruitless effort, the phrase lascia stare is more commonly used in a neutral sense to mean "never mind" or "don't worry about it".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are telling a group of people to let it go, you use the plural form lasciate perdere. When addressing a single person formally, the phrase becomes lasci perdere.
Did you know?
- The phrase lascia perdere is often paired with a hand gesture where the palm is turned downwards and moved slightly to the side, indicating the dismissal of the topic.
- The verb perdere comes from the Latin 'perdere', which originally meant to destroy or waste.
- While the English 'let it go' can be used for a physical object, lascia perdere is almost exclusively used for abstract ideas, arguments, or situations.
Examples in context
- Lascia perdere e basta.Just let it go.This sentence is useful for the phrase lascia perdere.Tatoeba #5572288 by Guybrush88, translation #4397600 by CK
- Lascia perdere, Tom.Let it go, Tom.Tatoeba #5572220 by Guybrush88, translation #2649126 by CK
- Lascia perdere!Let it go!Tatoeba #1008651 by elgranjuego, translation #531542 by wma
- Lascia stare, non ne vale la penaLet it be, it's not worth it
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are at a cafe talking about a minor misunderstanding at work.
- SofiaNon ce l'ho fatta, sono ancora molto arrabbiata con lui.I couldn't do it, I am still very angry with him.
- MatteoLascia perdere, Sofia, non ne vale la pena.Let it go, Sofia, it is not worth the effort.
- SofiaHai ragione, forse è meglio non pensarci più.You are right, maybe it is better not to think about it anymore.
- MatteoEsatto, godiamoci il caffè e rilassiamoci.Exactly, let's enjoy our coffee and relax.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries perdere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
