Translation guide
How to express 'leave alone' in Japanese, covering physical separation, non-interference, and emotional distance.
To go away from a person or thing, or to let them be by themselves without company.
Directly means 'leave me alone' or 'let me be alone'. Used when you want someone to go away and give you privacy.
ちょっと一人にしてくれない？
Can you leave me alone for a bit?
Please leave me alone right now.
Means 'leave me alone' in the sense of 'stop bothering me' or 'don't interfere'. More about not being disturbed than physical solitude.
放っておいてくれ。
Leave me alone. (Stop bothering me.)
彼は放っておいてほしいと言った。
He said he wants to be left alone.
Means to leave someone alone in a gentle, considerate way, often because they are tired, upset, or need space.
疲れているみたいだから、そっとしておこう。
He seems tired, so let's leave him alone.
To refrain from meddling, disturbing, or getting involved with someone or something.
General verb meaning 'to leave alone' in the sense of not interfering. Can be used for people or things.
彼のことは放っておきなさい。
Leave him alone. (Don't get involved with him.)
その問題は放っておけない。
I can't leave that problem alone.
Means 'don't mind me' or 'leave me alone' in the sense of not paying attention or fussing over someone.
どうか構わないでください。
Please don't mind me. (Leave me alone.)
Formal term meaning 'not to interfere'. Used in serious contexts like politics or personal affairs.
彼の私生活に干渉しないでほしい。
I want you to not interfere in his private life.
To not touch, move, or deal with something.
Means 'leave it as it is' or 'leave it alone'. Used for objects, situations, or settings.
その本はそのままにしておいてください。
Please leave that book alone (as it is).
設定はそのままにしておいたほうがいい。
You should leave the settings alone.
Literally 'leave without touching'. Emphasizes not physically touching something.
その荷物には触らないでおいて。
Leave that luggage alone (don't touch it).
To stop pursuing or emotionally pressuring someone, often in relationships.
Also used for emotional space. Implies a kind, respectful distance.
失恋したばかりだから、そっとしておいてあげて。
She just had a breakup, so leave her alone (give her space).
Means 'to put distance' between people. Used when someone needs space in a relationship.
今は彼と距離を置いています。
I'm leaving him alone for now (taking a break from the relationship).
一人にして (hitori ni shite) focuses on physical solitude, while 放っておいて (hotte oite) focuses on not being bothered or interfered with. Use 一人にして when you want someone to leave the room; use 放っておいて when you want them to stop nagging you.
一人にしてほしい。
I want to be alone (physically).
放っておいてほしい。
I want to be left alone (stop bothering me).
Avoid directly translating 'leave alone' as 去る (saru) + 一人 (hitori). That sounds unnatural. Also, 放っておく can sound harsh if used toward someone you should respect; use そっとしておく for a softer tone.