Translation guide
How to express the idea of letting something pass by, such as an opportunity, a person, or time, in natural Japanese.
To miss or intentionally let an opportunity go by without taking it.
Common verb meaning to miss or let slip an opportunity. Can be used both for accidental missing and intentional letting go.
To allow someone or something to go past you physically.
To let someone or something pass through. Often used when you step aside or give permission.
To allow time to go by without taking action, often waiting for something.
To let some time pass before doing something. Common in advice about waiting.
少し時間を置いてからもう一度話そう。
Let's let some time go by and then talk again.
I let a great opportunity go by.
To overlook or let something pass by without noticing or taking action. Often implies a missed chance.
彼は絶好の機会を見逃した。
He let a golden opportunity go by.
To let something pass by intentionally, often to avoid trouble or wait for a better moment. Can be used for opportunities, but more commonly for letting a person or vehicle pass.
この話はやり過ごしたほうがいい。
It's better to let this opportunity go by.
道を譲って、彼を通してあげた。
I stepped aside and let him go by.
To let someone go ahead of you. Casual and natural in daily conversation.
お先にどうぞ。
Please go ahead. (Let me let you go by.)
To let someone or something pass by, often while waiting or hiding. Can be used for people, cars, or time.
車が通り過ぎるのをやり過ごした。
I let the car go by.
To wait for time to pass. More literal, but natural in certain contexts.
ただ時間が経つのを待っていた。
I was just letting time go by.
To spend time, often in a leisurely way. Can imply letting time pass without much activity.
公園でゆっくり時を過ごした。
I let the time go by relaxing in the park.