Translation guide
The English word "let" has several distinct grammatical functions. This guide covers the main uses: giving permission, making suggestions, expressing "allow" or "not prevent", and fixed phrases. Japanese does not have a single equivalent; the correct expression depends on the intended meaning.
The speaker proposes a joint action with the listener.
Polite volitional form used to suggest doing something together. Attach to the verb stem.
Casual volitional form. Used among friends or in informal situations. Attach to the verb stem (godan verbs use -ou, ichidan verbs use -you).
Casual negative question used to invite someone to do something. Equivalent to 'Won't you...?' or 'Why don't we...?'
映画を見ない？
Why don't we watch a movie? / Let's watch a movie.
The speaker allows someone to do something.
Common way to give permission. Literally 'it's okay if you...'. Can be made polite with です.
ここに座ってもいいですよ。
You can sit here. / Let me allow you to sit here.
帰ってもいいよ。
You can go home. (casual)
The speaker asks for permission to do something.
Polite way to ask 'May I...?' or 'Is it okay if I...?'
窓を開けてもいいですか。
May I open the window? / Let me open the window.
Polite causative request. Literally 'Please let me do...'. More direct than 〜てもいいですか.
The subject does not stop something from happening; they allow it to occur naturally.
Leave something in a state. Often used for 'let it be' or 'leave it as is'.
ドアを開けたままにした。
I left the door open. / I let the door stay open.
The subject causes another person to perform an action. In English, 'let' can overlap with 'make' in some contexts, but Japanese distinguishes them clearly.
The causative form can mean both 'make' and 'let' depending on context. When permission is clear, it translates to 'let'.
Without context, 〜させる can mean 'force'. Use 〜てもいい or 〜させてあげる to clarify permission.
母は私に好きなだけテレビを見させた。
My mother let me watch TV as much as I wanted.
Common phrases where 'let' does not translate literally.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'let'. Always identify the intended meaning first: suggestion, permission, request, or non-interference.
彼を行かせた。
I let him go. / I made him go. (ambiguous)
〜てもいい is a neutral way to give permission. 〜させてあげる implies doing a favor and can sound patronizing. Use 〜てもいい in most situations.
ここで待ってもいいよ。
You can wait here. (neutral)
Causative form + あげる (to do a favor). Implies letting someone do something as a favor or kindness. Can sound condescending if overused.
Can imply a superior-to-inferior relationship. Use with care.
子供を遊ばせてあげた。
I let the child play.
Causative + おく (leave as is). Means to let someone do something without interfering, often with a nuance of 'leaving them to it'.
彼に好きなようにさせておこう。
Let's let him do as he likes.
私にやらせてください。
Please let me do it.
Humble causative request. Very polite, often used in business settings.
明日休ませてもらえますか。
Could I take tomorrow off? (lit. Could I receive the favor of being allowed to rest?)
Let someone continue doing something without interference.
彼を寝させておいた。
I let him sleep (without waking him).
Leave someone/something alone; let it be. Often used when you choose not to intervene.
彼のことは放っておいて。
Leave him alone. / Let him be.
言ってみれば、それは奇跡だった。
Let's just say it was a miracle.
Casual expression meaning 'Oh well' or 'Let it be'. Used when you decide not to worry about something.
まあいいか、気にしない。
Oh well, I won't worry about it. / Let it be.
I'll let you wait here. (might sound like you're granting a favor)
I'll let you wait here. (might sound like you're granting a favor)