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verb HSK 5
Traditional 釋放
shì fàng
to release · to set free · to liberate · to emit

Meaning

释放 means to release or set free, whether physically freeing someone from captivity, emitting energy or substances, or expressing emotions. It combines 释 (to release, explain) and 放 (to let go, release), creating a compound that emphasizes the act of letting something or someone go free.

Usage

This word is used in both concrete contexts (releasing prisoners, hostages) and abstract ones (releasing energy, emotions, signals). It appears frequently in news reports about prisoner releases, scientific contexts about emission of particles or energy, and psychological contexts about expressing feelings. The tone is generally formal or neutral.

Examples

  1. 01
    政府决定释放所有政治犯。
    Zhèng fǔ jué dìng shì fàng suǒ yǒu zhèng zhì fàn.
    The government decided to release all political prisoners.
  2. 02
    运动可以帮助你释放压力。
    Yùn dòng kě yǐ bāng zhù nǐ shì fàng yā lì.
    Exercise can help you release stress.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 释放人质
    shì fàng rén zhì
    to release hostages
  • 释放能量
    shì fàng néng liàng
    to release energy
  • 释放压力
    shì fàng yā lì
    to release pressure/stress
  • 释放信号
    shì fàng xìn hào
    to send a signal

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters relate to releasing or letting go. 释 originally meant to untie or loosen, while 放 means to set free or discharge. Together they form a reinforcing compound emphasizing complete release.

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