How to Say "Let It Go" in Japanese

手放す

tebanasu[te̞ba̠na̠sɨ]

The English phrase "let it go" can be translated into Japanese as 手放す (tebanasu).

手放す is used when physically releasing an object or, figuratively, when selling or giving up ownership of a possession.

What does it mean word for word?

The word 手放す is composed of the kanji 手 (hand) and 放す (to release/set free), literally meaning "to let go of something with one's hand."

While 'let it go' in English can mean to stop dwelling on a grudge, 手放す focuses more on the act of releasing a hold or a possession.

tebanasu

In the Japanese dub of 'Frozen', the song 'Let It Go' is translated as ありのままで (ari no mama de). This means 'exactly as I am' rather than the act of releasing something.
If you want to tell someone to 'let it go' regarding an argument or a grudge, 水に流す (mizu ni nagasu) is used. It literally means 'to let it flow into the water'.
In Japanese culture, the act of 'letting go' of an object via 手放す is often linked to the concept of 'danshari'. This is the practice of refusing, disposing of and separating oneself from unnecessary material goods.

彼は最終的には諦めました。
He eventually let it go.
そんなこと気にするな。
Don't let that bother you.
古い服を手放す。
Furui fuku o tebanasu.
I will let go of my old clothes.
過去の執着を手放すことが大切だ。
Kako no shuchaku o tebanasu koto ga taisetsu da.
It is important to let go of past attachments.

Kenta and Himari are talking about organizing their rooms.

健太 Kenta

部屋を整理するために、不要なものを手放すつもりだよ。
Heya o seiri suru tame ni, fuyou na mono o tebanasu tsumori da yo.
I intend to let go of unnecessary things to organize my room.
陽葵 Himari

いい考えだね。私も手放すべきものがたくさんあるわ。
Ii kangae da ne. Watashi mo tebanasu beki mono ga takusan aru wa.
That's a good idea. I also have many things I should let go of.
健太 Kenta

一緒に整理しよう。
Issho ni seiri shiyou.
Let's organize together.
陽葵 Himari

ええ、手伝うわ。
Ee, tetsudau wa.
Yes, I will help you.

Sources

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