Translation and Meaning of: 離す - hanasu

The Japanese word 「離す」 (hanasu) is a verb that means "to release" or "to let go." The etymological origin of the term comes from the kanji 「離」 (hanasu), which implies separating or distancing. The use of the kanji suggests an action of distancing, as when something is physically separated from a point of origin. The verb is frequently used in everyday Japanese, describing the action of releasing objects or liberating something that was previously under control.

In the Japanese language, the verb 「離す」 is classified as a godan verb, which involves a flexible conjugation adapted to different contexts and tenses. This makes it quite useful in various everyday situations, from releasing a person or animal to distancing oneself from an idea or situation. The versatility of the verb means that it is an essential part of the vocabulary in both informal and formal contexts.

The pronunciation of 「離す」 is "hanasu", and it is important not to confuse it with the homophone 「話す」, which means "to speak". Although both words share the same reading in hiragana (はなす), their meanings and uses are distinct, being differentiated by the kanji used. This peculiarity highlights the richness and complexity of the Japanese language, where the same sound can bring different meanings depending on the ideograms used.

Also consider the cultural influence and the frequent use of the verb in mediation and conflict resolution contexts in Japan. To release or let go can, symbolically, mean the ability to distance oneself from problems or leave behind something that no longer brings benefits. Therefore, the verb 「離す」, despite being simple, can carry significant value in personal interactions and broader cultural contexts. Its application goes beyond the literal sense, also encompassing emotional and psychological areas, where 'letting go' of something can represent relief or freedom.

Vocabulary

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Verb conjugation of 離す

• 離す - Infinitive
• 離します - polite form
• 離した - Past
• 離して - て form imperative

Synonyms and similar words

• 解放する (kaihō suru) - release, liberate
• 切り離す (kirihanasu) - separate, cut apart
• 分離する (bunri suru) - divide, disaggregate
• 解除する (kaijo suru) - revoke, annul
• 離脱する (ridatsu suru) - detach, disengage
• 解離する (kairi suru) - disperse, dissociate
• 離れる (hanareru) - to distance oneself, to withdraw
• 分かつ (wakatsu) - divide, separate (focusing on sharing parts)
• 解く・解き放つ (toku/tokihanatsu) - unravel, free (in the sense of breaking free from restraints)

離す

Romaji: hanasu
Kana: はなす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: to separate; to divide; to separate

Meaning in English: to part;divide;separate

Definition: Release (hanasu): To release things or people that are together.

Example Sentences - (離す) hanasu

See below some example sentences:

彼女を離すのは辛かった。

Kanojo wo hanasu no wa tsurakatta

It was hard to let her go.

It was painful to release her.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - means "girlfriend" or "her"
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 離す (hanasu) - verb meaning "to separate" or "to let go"
• の (no) - nominal particle
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 辛かった (tsurakatta) - past tense verb meaning "it was difficult" or "it was painful"