The verb 'nagasu' describes the act of allowing someone or something to escape, whether intentionally or by mistake.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To let someone or something go free.
- To accidentally allow a captive to escape.
- To miss an opportunity or a chance.
Overview
- 1概要：「逃がす」は、本来なら捕まえておくべき対象を、自分の手元から離してしまうというニュアンスを含みます。意図的に「解放する（逃がしてあげる）」場合と、不注意や不手際で「逃げられてしまう（取り逃がす）」場合の二通りの意味があります。
一般的な文脈：魚釣りで釣った魚を逃がす、捕まえた虫を逃がす、といった日常的な場面から、犯人を警察が取り逃がすといったニュース的な文脈まで幅広く使われます。
- 1類語比較：「逃げる」は対象が自発的に立ち去る動作そのものですが、「逃がす」は他者がその対象に対して働きかけ、逃げる結果を招くという「使役・他動詞」的な側面を持っています。「逃す（のがす）」は、タイミングやチャンスを失うという抽象的な文脈で使われることが多く、漢字の使い分けには注意が必要です。
Examples
捕まえたバッタを逃がしてあげた。
everydayI let the grasshopper I caught go.
警察は犯人を逃がしてしまった。
formalThe police let the criminal escape.
せっかくのチャンスを逃がすなよ！
informalDon't let such a good chance slip away!
絶好の機会を逃がすことは、戦略上の損失である。
academicMissing a golden opportunity is a strategic loss.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
大物を逃がす
let a big fish/opportunity get away
逃がした魚は大きい
The one that got away is always the biggest (idiom)
まんまと逃がす
let someone escape successfully
Often Confused With
While 'nagasu' is used for physical objects, 'nogasu' is preferred for abstract things like missing a train or a broadcast. They are often interchangeable, but 'nogasu' feels more abstract.
This is the intransitive version. It means 'to escape' (the subject is the one running away), whereas 'nagasu' means 'to let someone escape' (the subject is the one allowing it).
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'nagasu' when you are the one responsible for the object being free. It can imply either a kind act of releasing or a negative act of losing a target. Be careful with the kanji distinction between '逃がす' and '逃す' in writing.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 'nigeru' instead of 'nagasu' when you mean to say you let something go. Remember that if you are the one doing the action to let it go, you need the transitive verb. Also, beginners often swap the particles 'ga' and 'o' when using this verb.
Tips
Distinguish between physical and abstract usage
Use '逃がす' for physical objects like birds or fish. Use '逃す' for abstract concepts like missing a train or a chance.
Don't confuse with 'nigeru'
Remember that 'nigeru' is intransitive (to escape), while 'nagasu' is transitive (to let escape).
The concept of 'catch and release'
In Japanese culture, releasing a small fish back into the water is a common act, often described as 'sakana o nigasu'.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'nigeru' (to escape) combined with the causative-like suffix '-su' which turns it into a transitive verb. It has been used in Japanese since the classical period to describe the act of setting captive things free.
Cultural Context
In Japanese society, there is a nuance of 'letting someone go' as a form of mercy or giving them a second chance. However, in professional or legal contexts, 'nagasu' usually implies a serious failure in duty.
Memory Tip
Think of 'nagasu' as 'making it go away' (naga-su). You are the one who makes the bird fly away or the criminal run away.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「逃がす」は主に物理的な対象が逃げることを指しますが、「逃す」はチャンスやタイミングなど、抽象的な機会を失う場合によく使われます。ただし、日常的には混同して使われることもあります。
はい、捕まえた昆虫を「逃がしてあげる」のように、慈悲や優しさを持って解放する場合にも使われます。この場合は「逃がしてやる」という表現がよく用いられます。
「逃げられる」は、相手が勝手に逃げてしまったという被害者の視点に立った表現です。「逃がす」は、自分の行為によって逃げてしまったという主体的な視点が含まれます。
過去形は「逃がした」となります。例えば「さっきのチャンスを逃がした」のように使います。
Test Yourself
釣ったばかりの小さな魚を川に___。
物理的な対象を解放する行為なので「逃がした」が適切です。
次のうち、自然な文はどれですか？
他動詞「逃がす」は目的語「を」をとります。
（チャンスを / 逃がした / 昨日の / 私は）
日本語の標準的な語順である「主語＋時間＋目的語＋動詞」に従っています。
Score: /3
Summary
The verb 'nagasu' describes the act of allowing someone or something to escape, whether intentionally or by mistake.
- To let someone or something go free.
- To accidentally allow a captive to escape.
- To miss an opportunity or a chance.
Distinguish between physical and abstract usage
Use '逃がす' for physical objects like birds or fish. Use '逃す' for abstract concepts like missing a train or a chance.
Don't confuse with 'nigeru'
Remember that 'nigeru' is intransitive (to escape), while 'nagasu' is transitive (to let escape).
The concept of 'catch and release'
In Japanese culture, releasing a small fish back into the water is a common act, often described as 'sakana o nigasu'.
Examples
4 of 4捕まえたバッタを逃がしてあげた。
I let the grasshopper I caught go.
警察は犯人を逃がしてしまった。
The police let the criminal escape.
せっかくのチャンスを逃がすなよ！
Don't let such a good chance slip away!
絶好の機会を逃がすことは、戦略上の損失である。
Missing a golden opportunity is a strategic loss.
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Related Vocabulary
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能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
