fong3 saang1放生

Jyutpingfong3 saang1

Yalefong sāang

動詞Uncommon

Definition

To release a captive animal back into the wild; to let someone off the hook.

to release a captive or pet animal back into the wild
figurativeto let someone off; to spare someone from punishment or accountability

colloquialanimalsdaily actions

How it's used

Beyond the literal meaning of releasing animals, this term is frequently used in a metaphorical sense to mean letting someone off the hook or choosing not to pursue someone for their mistakes. It implies a conscious decision to show mercy or stop being strict with a person who has done something wrong. When used in this way, it often carries a tone of relief or resignation.

Examples

nei5你fong3放saang1生zo2咗go2嗰zek3隻zoek3雀zai2仔heoi3去bin1邊aa4呀？

Where did you release that bird?

keoi5佢hou2好sam1心fong3放saang1生zo2咗tiu4條jyu2魚faan1返daai6大hoi2海。

He kindly released the fish back into the sea.

Common phrases

fong3放saang1生dung6動mat6物

to release animals

fong3放saang1生jat1一maa5馬

to let someone off the hook

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply letting something go or losing something. It specifically requires the intent of returning a living creature to its natural habitat or granting someone freedom from accountability.