離す

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 離す(はなす) is a transitive verb for separating things to create distance or letting go of something being held.
• Basic usage: Moving things apart appears in 机を少し離して置く, while not releasing a held hand appears in 手を離さない.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Distance and release
  • Context distinguishes moving two objects apart from releasing something held in the hand.
• Transitive use
  • Mark what a person separates or releases with を, as in 机を離す and 手を離す.