そっとしておく
そっとしておく
expression
to leave alone; to let be; to not disturb
1.
to leave alone; to let be; to not disturb
To refrain from interfering with or disturbing someone or something. Often used when someone is upset, resting, or in a situation where intervention would be unwelcome.
今はそっとしておいてあげよう。
Let's leave them alone for now.
泣いている子をしばらくそっとしておいた。
I left the crying child alone for a while.
落ち込んでいるときは、無理に話しかけずにそっとしておくのが一番だ。
When someone is feeling down, it's best to leave them alone rather than forcing a conversation.
USAGE:
A gentle expression that implies considerate non-interference. The おく part indicates doing something in advance or letting a state continue. Often used with あげる to show consideration: そっとしておいてあげる.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- そっとしておいて (please leave me/them alone)
- そっとしておいてあげる (to leave someone alone — with care)
- そっとしておくのが一番 (it's best to leave it alone)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 放っておく: to leave alone — more neutral or sometimes implies neglect
- 構わない: to not bother with — can sound more dismissive
- 見守る: to watch over — implies staying nearby without interfering