Translation guide
The English word "release" covers many distinct actions: letting go of something physical, setting someone free, making something available to the public, or relieving an emotion. Japanese uses different verbs and nouns for each of these situations. This guide breaks them down by the intended meaning.
To stop holding something so that it falls or becomes free.
The most common verb for releasing your grip on something. Transitive: you release an object.
手を離してください。
Please let go of my hand.
彼はロープを離した。
He released the rope.
Similar to 離す but often implies setting something free or letting it go loose, like an animal or a held object. Can be written with the same kanji in some contexts.
Literally 'loosen one's hand'. Used when you relax your grip rather than completely letting go.
To free someone from captivity, prison, or confinement.
The standard verb for releasing people from captivity, oppression, or restrictions. Also used for freeing animals.
人質は無事に解放された。
The hostages were released safely.
To launch or publish a new product, film, album, software update, etc.
Used for commercial release of products like books, CDs, games, electronics. 'Go on sale'.
新しいiPhoneが来月発売される。
The new iPhone will be released next month.
To stop pressing or holding a mechanical device so it returns to its original state.
To let out pent-up feelings or relieve pressure.
To release or let out stress, energy, emotions. Often used with ストレス.
運動でストレスを発散する。
I release stress through exercise.
To emit or discharge something into the environment.
To release, emit, or discharge substances, heat, radiation, etc. Technical/formal.
工場が有害物質を放出した。
The factory released harmful substances.
To officially make information public.
To announce or release information officially.
政府が新しい政策を発表した。
The government released a new policy.
発売 is for commercial products you can buy (books, CDs, games). 公開 is for movies, software, or making something viewable/accessible. リリース is a loanword used in tech and entertainment, often interchangeable with 公開 for software.
このゲームは先月発売された。
This game was released last month.
新作映画が公開された。
The new movie was released.
While リリース is common in IT and music, it sounds unnatural for physical goods like cars or appliances. Use 発売 instead.
I released the bird.
He loosened his grip and set her free.
The country released the slaves.
Specifically used for release from police custody or prison. Formal/legal term.
容疑者は証拠不十分で釈放された。
The suspect was released due to lack of evidence.
To let someone or an animal escape, often intentionally. Implies releasing so they can go free.
捕まえたカエルを逃がした。
I released the frog I caught.
His new single was released yesterday.
Used for releasing movies, software, or information to the public. 'Make public'.
その映画は来週公開される。
The movie will be released next week.
新しいバージョンが公開された。
The new version was released.
Loanword from English, common in software, music, and entertainment industries. Casual/technical.
アプリの最新版をリリースしました。
We released the latest version of the app.
To announce or release information, findings, or a statement. Not for physical products.
研究結果を発表した。
They released the research results.
Same verb as 'let go of something'. Used for buttons, levers, etc.
ボタンを離すと、録音が始まります。
Release the button to start recording.
To release a lock, brake, or security mechanism. 'Disengage' or 'cancel'.
パーキングブレーキを解除してください。
Please release the parking brake.
Can be used metaphorically for releasing emotions or freeing oneself from worries.
心を解放して、自由に感じた。
I released my heart and felt free.
Literally 'spit out emotions'. To vent or release feelings strongly.
友達に感情を吐き出した。
I released my emotions to my friend.
To discharge or emit waste, exhaust, etc. Often used for gases and liquids.
車が二酸化炭素を排出する。
Cars release carbon dioxide.
To make public, disclose. Often used for scandals or previously hidden information.
会社は損失を公表した。
The company released the loss figures.