Meaning
To release something or stop worrying.
Cultural Background
Finns are known for 'Sisu' (perseverance), so 'päästää irti' is often discussed as a necessary counter-balance to avoid burnout. In Finnish yoga and meditation circles, 'päästää irti' is the standard translation for 'letting go' of ego or tension. Parents use this phrase to teach children independence, literally letting go of their hand as they learn to walk. There is a strong cultural push to 'päästää irti' from work during the 4-week summer holiday.
The Elative Rule
Always remember the -sta/-stä ending. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Don't over-use in business
In a boardroom, use 'luopua' or 'irtisanoa' to sound more professional.
Meaning
To release something or stop worrying.
The Elative Rule
Always remember the -sta/-stä ending. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Don't over-use in business
In a boardroom, use 'luopua' or 'irtisanoa' to sound more professional.
The 'Frozen' Trick
Even though the Finnish song is 'Taakse jää', everyone knows 'päästää irti' is the translation. Use it to talk about the movie!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct case ending for the word 'menneisyys' (past).
Sinun täytyy päästää irti ___________ (menneisyys).
The phrase 'päästää irti' always requires the elative case (-sta/-stä).
Which sentence is a physical command?
Which one would you say to someone holding a dangerous object?
'Veitsestä' means 'from the knife', which is a physical object.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Situation: A friend is crying about an ex-boyfriend from 5 years ago.
'Hänestä' means 'from him', referring to the ex-boyfriend.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesSinun täytyy päästää irti ___________ (menneisyys).
The phrase 'päästää irti' always requires the elative case (-sta/-stä).
Which one would you say to someone holding a dangerous object?
'Veitsestä' means 'from the knife', which is a physical object.
Situation: A friend is crying about an ex-boyfriend from 5 years ago.
'Hänestä' means 'from him', referring to the ex-boyfriend.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIn the Finnish dub, the song title is 'Taakse jää' (Leave it behind), but 'päästää irti' is the literal translation and is used in the lyrics.
Yes, 'päästää irti hänestä' means to let go of them emotionally.
The opposite is 'pitää kiinni' (to hold on).
No, it is neutral. However, as a command, it can be very direct.
Yes, if you mean letting go of the physical car or the emotional attachment to it.
Related Phrases
luopua
similarTo give up or relinquish something voluntarily.
hellittää
similarTo loosen or slacken.
antaa mennä
similarTo let it go / let it happen.
irtisanoa
builds onTo terminate a contract or fire someone.
