そっとしておく

そっとしておく
expression
to leave alone; to let be; to not disturb
spokencommunication
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(いま)はそっとしておいてあげよう。
Let's leave them alone for now.
泣(な)いている子(こ)をしばらくそっとしておいた。
I left the crying child alone for a while.
落(お)ち込(こ)んでいるときは、無理(むり)に話(はな)しかけずにそっとしておくのが一番(いちばん)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(いちばん) (it's best to leave it alone)

Similar words

  • 放(ほう)っておく: to leave alone — more neutral or sometimes implies neglect
  • 構(かま)わない: to not bother with — can sound more dismissive
  • 見守(みまも)る: to watch over — implies staying nearby without interfering

Related Words

Synonym: 放(ほう)っておく (leave alone (neutral))
Compare: 見守(みまも)る (watch over)
Compare: 構(かま)わない (to not bother with)
general
Added 2026.3.19 13:25 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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