Translation guide
The English phrase "let pass" can mean to allow someone or something to go by, to overlook or forgive a mistake, or to not take advantage of an opportunity. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each of these meanings.
To permit someone or something to pass through or go ahead, often physically.
General verb meaning to let pass, let through, or allow to enter. Used for people, vehicles, light, etc.
彼を通してください。
Please let him pass.
この門は車を通さない。
This gate does not let cars pass.
Literally 'let go ahead'. Used when allowing someone to go before you, e.g., in a queue or on a path.
お先にどうぞ。
Please go ahead. (Letting someone pass)
彼女を先に行かせた。
I let her go first.
Formal or technical term for letting something pass through a checkpoint, gate, or filter.
警備員は彼を通過させなかった。
The guard did not let him pass.
To intentionally ignore a minor error, offense, or rule violation; to let it slide.
To overlook, let pass, or turn a blind eye to something, often a mistake or wrongdoing.
今回は見逃してあげる。
I'll let it pass this time.
彼のミスを見逃した。
I overlooked his mistake.
To be lenient, to overlook something generously. Often used when forgiving a minor fault.
Formal expression meaning to let something pass without questioning or to overlook an offense.
To deliberately refrain from using a chance, offer, or opening; to let it go by.
To pass up, to let an opportunity go by, to refrain from doing something for now.
今回はその提案を見送った。
We let that proposal pass this time.
チャンスを見送るのはもったいない。
It's a waste to let a chance pass.
To miss, let slip, or fail to catch. Often used when an opportunity is lost unintentionally, but can be used for deliberate inaction.
Casual loanword from English 'through', meaning to ignore or let something pass without reacting. Often used for comments or offers.
彼の冗談はスルーした。
I let his joke pass (ignored it).
Both mean to overlook, but 見逃す can be neutral or negative (failing to notice), while 大目に見る implies intentional leniency and generosity.
彼の無礼を見逃すわけにはいかない。
I can't let his rudeness pass.
子供のいたずらだから大目に見てください。
It's just a child's prank, so please let it pass.
彼の遅刻は大目に見よう。
Let's let his lateness pass.
その件は不問に付された。
The matter was let pass (without further inquiry).
I let a golden opportunity pass.