離して
hanashite
In Japanese, 'let me go' is translated as 離して (hanashite).
The phrase 離して is used when someone is physically grasping your arm, hand or clothing and you want them to release their grip.
Which one should you use?
While 離して can be used to mean 'let me go' when you are being held, it is also the standard way to say 'let go' or 'release' regarding an object or a hand.
How do you pronounce it?
hanashite
Did you know?
- The verb 離す (hanasu) is a homophone for the verb meaning 'to speak' 話す (hanasu), though they use different kanji.
- If you are talking about 'letting go' of a grudge or a memory, Japanese speakers use the word 忘れる (wasureru – to forget) or 手放す (tebanasu – to let go of the hand/possession) instead of 離して.
- If someone is holding you too tightly, you might hear the command 放せ (hanase), which is a more aggressive and masculine imperative form of the same root verb.
Examples in context
- 腕を離して。ude o hanashite.Let go of my arm.
- お願い、離して！onegai, hanashite!Please, let me go!
- 手を離して、痛いよ。te o hanashite, itai yo.Let go of my hand, it hurts.
Example conversation
Yui is trying to walk away from Kenta, but he is holding her arm.
- 結衣 Yui離して、健太。hanashite, Kenta.Let me go, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaまだ話が終わってないよ。mada hanashi ga owattenai yo.We aren't finished talking yet.
- 結衣 Yuiもう離して！mou hanashite!Just let me go!
- 健太 Kentaわかった、離すよ。wakatta, hanasu yo.Okay, I'll let go.
