放手
fangshou
To let go/release
Littéralement: {"\u653e":"to put; to place; to release; to let go","\u624b":"hand"}
En 15 secondes
- Release attachment, not just physical hands.
- Emotional act of moving on from relationships/situations.
- Use when accepting what you can't control.
- Similar to 'let go' or 'move on'.
Signification
Cette expression `放手` (fàng shǒu) concerne la libération de quelque chose ou de quelqu'un. Ce n'est pas juste un acte physique d'ouvrir la main ; elle porte un poids émotionnel considérable. Considérez-la comme le choix d'arrêter de s'accrocher, que ce soit à une personne, une situation, une mauvaise habitude ou même un regret passé. Elle implique une décision consciente d'aller de l'avant et de permettre aux choses d'être différentes.
Exemples clés
3 sur 12Texting a friend after a breakup
别再为他难过了，是时候该`放手`了。
Stop feeling sad for him, it's time to let go.
Instagram caption for a travel photo
拥抱未知，感受自由，尽情`放手`去飞吧！
Embrace the unknown, feel the freedom, just let go and fly!
Job interview (discussing past project)
虽然那个项目最终没有成功，但我学会了在适当的时候`放手`。
Although that project didn't ultimately succeed, I learned to let go at the appropriate time.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'letting go' is universal, but `放手` in Chinese culture often reflects a deep philosophical influence from Taoism and Buddhism. These traditions emphasize acceptance, non-attachment, and flowing with the natural course of life. `放手` embodies this by encouraging individuals to release stubborn desires or control, finding peace not in holding on, but in yielding to impermanence. It's a quiet wisdom passed down through generations.
The Emotional Core
`放手` is rarely about just physical release. It's deeply tied to emotional detachment and the conscious decision to stop holding onto something that causes pain or prevents growth.
When in Doubt, Use `放下`?
If you're unsure whether `放手` or `放下` is better, and the context involves putting aside worries or burdens, `放下` might be a safer, slightly less intense choice. It's like gently setting something down versus actively releasing it.
En 15 secondes
- Release attachment, not just physical hands.
- Emotional act of moving on from relationships/situations.
- Use when accepting what you can't control.
- Similar to 'let go' or 'move on'.
What It Means
放手 (fàng shǒu) literally means 'to release the hand.' But like many Chinese phrases, its real power is in its metaphorical meaning. It's about letting go of something you're holding onto tightly. This could be a physical object, but more often, it’s about emotional baggage, a relationship that’s over, or a situation you can’t control. It's a powerful act of surrender and acceptance, signaling a desire to move on and find peace. It’s like finally dropping a heavy suitcase you’ve been carrying around.
How To Use It
You use 放手 when you decide to stop clinging to something or someone. It’s a verb, so it usually follows a subject and precedes an object (if there is one). You can 放手 *from* something (e.g., 放手一段感情 – let go of a relationship) or 放手 *to* someone (e.g., 放手让他去 – let him go).
It’s often used in contexts of personal growth, forgiveness, or accepting reality. Think about when you've tried to force something to happen, and it just isn't working. That's a prime moment to consider 放手. It’s a decision, an action, and often a relief.
Real-Life Examples
- Texting a friend: "I know you’re upset about the breakup, but sometimes you just need to
放手and focus on yourself." This means encouraging them to move on. - Watching a drama: The character realized she couldn't change his mind. She had to
放手and accept his decision to leave. - Self-help article: "To find happiness, you must learn to
放手from past mistakes." - Parenting advice: "Letting your child make their own choices is hard, but you need to
放手sometimes."
When To Use It
Use 放手 when you want to express the idea of:
- Ending a relationship gracefully.
- Forgiving someone and moving past hurt.
- Accepting a situation you can't change.
- Giving someone else autonomy or freedom.
- Releasing control over something.
- Letting go of an unhealthy attachment.
- Deciding not to pursue a lost cause.
It’s perfect for those moments when holding on is causing more pain than letting go. It’s like deciding to stop replaying that embarrassing karaoke performance in your head.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 放手 for simple, literal actions of releasing an object unless the context is very clear it's metaphorical. For instance, if you're just handing someone a pen, you wouldn't say 我放手给你笔 (I release hand give you pen). That sounds bizarre.
Also, avoid it when you mean to *start* something new with energy. 放手 is about *ending* a hold, not beginning a new endeavor with gusto. You wouldn't tell someone to 放手 their dreams if they're just starting out.
It’s also not for situations where you need to *maintain* control or responsibility firmly. If you're a surgeon, you don't 放手 during an operation!
Common Mistakes
- ✗
我必须放手我的手机→ ✓我必须放下我的手机(I must put down my phone).放手is too emotional for just putting down a device. - ✗
他放手了他的工作→ ✓他辞掉了他的工作or他放弃了他的工作(He quit his job).放手implies emotional release, not just ending employment. - ✗
请放手这个机会→ ✓请抓住这个机会(Please seize this opportunity). This is the opposite meaning!
Similar Expressions
放下(fàng xià): This is very similar and often interchangeable in many contexts, especially emotional ones.放下literally means 'to put down.' It's slightly more general and can refer to putting down physical objects too.放下can feel a bit softer, like gently setting something down.放弃(fàng qì): This means 'to give up' or 'to abandon.' It's stronger and often implies losing hope or ceasing effort. You放弃a competition you can't win, but you might放手*from* the emotional attachment to winning.撒手(sā shǒu): This means to let go, often with a sense of suddenness or relinquishing control completely. It can sometimes sound a bit more abrupt than放手.
Common Variations
放手吧(fàng shǒu ba): 'Let it go!' – a common encouragement.该放手了(gāi fàng shǒu le): 'It's time to let go.'让他/她放手(ràng tā fàng shǒu): 'Let him/her let go.'不放手(bù fàng shǒu): 'Not letting go.'
Memory Trick
Imagine a hand (手) that is letting go (放) of something. Picture your own hand opening up, releasing a bird, a balloon, or even a tear. The visual of the open hand is key. Think: "My hand is releasing it!" It's a physical act with a big emotional payoff.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Is
放手always emotional? A: Mostly, yes. While it *can* be physical, its common usage carries emotional weight, implying a release from attachment or control. - Q: Can I use it for work? A: Sometimes, if you're letting go of a project you can't finish or a stressful responsibility, but
放弃or辞职might be more direct for quitting. - Q: Is it like 'giving up'? A: It's related but different.
放手is about releasing attachment;放弃is about ceasing effort. You might放手from the *need* to win, but not放弃the game itself.
- Q: What's the difference between
放手and放下? A:放手is more about releasing control *over* something/someone.放下is more about putting something *down*, often internal burdens, and can be more passive. - Q: Is it polite to tell someone to
放手? A: It depends on the context and your relationship. It can be supportive advice among friends, but might sound dismissive if said to a stranger or in a formal setting. - Q: Can I say
放手to a friend who's heartbroken? A: Yes, it's common. It's a way to encourage them to heal and move on from the pain of the relationship.
Notes d'usage
While `放手` can technically describe releasing a physical hand, its common usage is metaphorical, implying an emotional or psychological release. It's generally neutral in formality but avoid it in highly technical or extremely formal business contexts where more specific verbs like 'cede' or 'relinquish' might be used in English.
The Emotional Core
`放手` is rarely about just physical release. It's deeply tied to emotional detachment and the conscious decision to stop holding onto something that causes pain or prevents growth.
When in Doubt, Use `放下`?
If you're unsure whether `放手` or `放下` is better, and the context involves putting aside worries or burdens, `放下` might be a safer, slightly less intense choice. It's like gently setting something down versus actively releasing it.
Don't Confuse with 'Giving Up'!
A common pitfall is using `放手` when you mean `放弃` (give up). `放手` is about releasing emotional attachment or control, while `放弃` is about ceasing effort or abandoning a goal. Telling someone to `放手` their dreams sounds like you want them to stop dreaming, which is usually not the intention!
The Taoist Echo
The idea of `放手` resonates with Taoist philosophy of 'wu wei' (non-action or effortless action). It suggests that sometimes, the most effective action is to stop struggling against the natural flow of life and simply let go.
Exemples
12别再为他难过了，是时候该`放手`了。
Stop feeling sad for him, it's time to let go.
Encouraging a friend to move on emotionally.
拥抱未知，感受自由，尽情`放手`去飞吧！
Embrace the unknown, feel the freedom, just let go and fly!
Expressing a desire for freedom and adventure.
虽然那个项目最终没有成功，但我学会了在适当的时候`放手`。
Although that project didn't ultimately succeed, I learned to let go at the appropriate time.
Showing maturity and adaptability in a professional context.
你不能一直为他人的错误承担责任，你需要`放手`。
You can't keep taking responsibility for others' mistakes, you need to let go.
Highlighting the need to release burden and control.
姐妹，他说不爱了就赶紧`放手`吧，别浪费时间了！
Sis, if he says he doesn't love you anymore, hurry up and let go, don't waste your time!
Urgent, informal advice to end a relationship.
我努力了很久，但最终还是决定`放手`。
I tried for a long time, but ultimately decided to let go.
Expressing a difficult but necessary decision to release something.
✗ 我想把书放手给桌子 → ✓ 我想把书放在桌子上
✗ I want to let go of the book onto the table → ✓ I want to put the book on the table
`放手` is too emotional/metaphorical for simply placing an object.
我的猫太黏人了，我一`放手`它就喵喵叫，好像我不要它了。
My cat is too clingy. As soon as I let go, it meows as if I don't want it anymore.
Playfully using `放手` for a pet's clinginess.
✗ 他决定放手他的梦想 → ✓ 他决定放弃他的梦想
✗ He decided to let go of his dream → ✓ He decided to give up his dream
`放手` is about releasing attachment, `放弃` is about ceasing effort.
宝贝，妈妈需要你`放手`自己走，勇敢地向前迈步。
Baby, Mom needs you to let go and walk by yourself, bravely stepping forward.
Encouraging independence and self-reliance.
我花了很多时间才真正`放手`了那个失败。
It took me a long time to truly let go of that failure.
Emphasizing the emotional process of overcoming a setback.
如果你真的爱他，就该`放手`让他去追求自己的幸福。
If you truly love him, you should let go and let him pursue his own happiness.
A selfless act of releasing someone for their own good.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
`放手` is used here to mean letting go of past worries and emotional attachments.
Choose the sentence that uses `放手` correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
`放手` means to let go emotionally or metaphorically, enabling one to move forward.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The sentence is actually correct. `放手` here means 'to let go of' old habits, implying an emotional or behavioral release.
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
`放手` perfectly captures the emotional and active nature of 'letting go' in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of `放手`
Casual chats, texting friends, social media comments.
别想了，赶紧放手吧！
Everyday conversations, advice, general discussions.
有时候你需要放手才能前进。
Professional advice, reflective writing, therapy contexts.
在适当的时候学会放手是一种智慧。
Rarely used in highly formal settings; alternatives preferred.
（不常用）
When Do You Use `放手`?
Ending a relationship
是时候放手了。
Overcoming past regrets
我必须放手。
Giving autonomy
放手让他自己做。
Accepting uncontrollable events
我们只能放手。
Releasing bad habits
戒掉坏习惯，放手吧。
Emotional healing
学会放手，才能快乐。
`放手` vs. Similar Phrases
Usage Categories for `放手`
Relationships
- • Letting go of ex-partners
- • Releasing unhealthy attachments
- • Allowing loved ones freedom
Personal Growth
- • Moving past failures
- • Releasing control
- • Accepting reality
Emotional Release
- • Letting go of grudges
- • Finding peace
- • Overcoming trauma
Situational
- • Letting go of a job
- • Releasing expectations
- • Giving up a fight
Banque d exercices
4 exercices我决定不再为过去的事情烦恼，要学会______。
`放手` is used here to mean letting go of past worries and emotional attachments.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
`放手` means to let go emotionally or metaphorically, enabling one to move forward.
Trouvez et corrigez l erreur :
他一直不肯放手他的旧习惯。
The sentence is actually correct. `放手` here means 'to let go of' old habits, implying an emotional or behavioral release.
Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to let go.
Indices : Think about the emotional aspect of 'letting go'., 'Bravest thing' can be translated as '最勇敢的举动'.
`放手` perfectly captures the emotional and active nature of 'letting go' in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Tutoriels video
Trouve des tutoriels vidéo sur YouTube pour cette expression.
Questions fréquentes
18 questionsAt its core, 放手 means to release your hand from holding something. Think of physically opening your hand to let go of an object. However, this literal meaning is rarely used; it's almost always employed metaphorically to signify emotional or psychological release.
放手 specifically implies releasing control or attachment *over* something or someone, often involving a decision to stop holding on. 放下 is more general, meaning 'to put down' or 'set aside,' and can apply to physical objects or internal burdens like worries or grudges.
Use 放手 when you're talking about releasing emotional ties, control, or attachment to a person or situation you can't change. Use 放弃 when you're ceasing effort, abandoning a goal, or giving up on something entirely, like a competition or a hope.
Yes, it can be used professionally, especially when discussing adaptability or maturity. For example, a manager might say they learned to 放手 and delegate more, meaning they released control. Or an employee might reflect on learning to 放手 from a project that wasn't working.
It's generally seen as positive, representing growth, acceptance, and liberation. While the act of letting go can be painful, the phrase itself implies moving towards a healthier state. It's about choosing peace over struggle.
To 放手 a relationship means to end your emotional involvement and attachment to it, especially if it's unhealthy or over. It signifies accepting that it's finished and choosing to move forward without clinging to the past or trying to rekindle it.
放手 is quite versatile and generally considered neutral. You can use it in casual conversations with friends, but it's also appropriate in more serious discussions about personal growth, therapy, or even professional development, as long as the context isn't extremely formal.
You can, but be mindful of the tone and your relationship. Telling a close friend, '你该放手了' (You should let go) can be supportive advice. However, saying it to a stranger or in a formal setting might sound abrupt or dismissive, so context is crucial.
While 放手 is standard Mandarin, regional dialects might have slight preferences for synonyms like 撒手 (sā shǒu) or specific phrasing. However, 放手 is widely understood across Mandarin-speaking regions.
A very common mistake is using 放手 for simply putting down a physical object, like a pen or a book. For example, saying '我放手笔' instead of '我放下笔'. 放手 implies a deeper release, not just placing something down.
Yes, absolutely. You can say '我决定放手我的愤怒' (I decided to let go of my anger) or '是时候放手了' when referring to releasing pent-up emotions like anger or resentment.
The most direct antonym for 放手 (let go) is 抓住 (zhuā zhù), meaning 'to grasp' or 'hold tightly'. In emotional contexts, you might also see phrases like '不肯放手' (unwilling to let go) which implies holding on tightly.
This phrase means 'Let him go and do his own thing' or 'Let him go pursue his path.' It implies releasing control and allowing someone the freedom to make their own choices, even if you disagree or are concerned.
In song lyrics, 放手 is often used to express themes of heartbreak, freedom, or moving on. For example, '请你放手，让我走' (Please let go, let me go) is a common sentiment in ballads.
The iconic 'Let It Go' is often translated as '随它吧' (suí tā ba) in the movie for its magical, liberating feel. However, 放手 captures the personal decision to release emotional burdens, so it could also fit depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
In negotiations, instead of 放手, you might use terms like 妥协 (tuǒxié - compromise), 让步 (ràngbù - make concessions), or 放弃某些条款 (fàngqì mǒuxiē tiáokuǎn - give up certain clauses). 放手 is too emotionally charged for typical negotiation language.
While technically possible, it's uncommon and might sound odd. For dangerous items, specific verbs related to disarming or securing are usually preferred. 放手 carries a strong implication of emotional or psychological release rather than just relinquishing physical command.
The feeling can be complex: relief, sadness, acceptance, freedom, and sometimes regret. It's the feeling of finally releasing a burden, whether that release brings peace or a sense of loss, you're no longer actively holding on.
Expressions liées
放下
synonymTo put down; to set aside; to let go (often of burdens, grudges)
Both `放手` and `放下` mean to let go, but `放手` emphasizes releasing control or attachment, while `放下` focuses more on setting aside internal burdens or physical objects.
放弃
related topicTo give up; to abandon; to quit
`放弃` is about ceasing effort or abandoning a goal, whereas `放手` is about releasing emotional attachment or control, even if you previously tried hard.
撒手
synonymTo let go; to release one's grip (often suddenly)
`撒手` is very similar to `放手` but can sometimes imply a more abrupt or complete relinquishing of grip or responsibility.
抓紧
antonymTo hold tight; to seize
`抓紧` signifies holding on firmly, directly contrasting with the act of releasing or letting go represented by `放手`.
随它去
related topicLet it be; let it go (as it is)
This phrase expresses a passive acceptance of a situation, similar to the acceptance implied in `放手`, but without the active decision to release attachment.
辞职
related topicTo resign (from a job)
While you might `放手` from a stressful job, the specific act of leaving employment is usually described with `辞职` or `离职`.
