• 放はなす — to release, to let go
• 放はなつ — to fire, to shoot, to release
• 放送ほうそう — broadcast
• 解放かいほう — release, liberation
• 放課後ほうかご — after school

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The character 放 combines 方ほう (direction) and 攵のぶん (strike or action). It conveys the idea of letting something go in a certain direction — to release or set free. This character appears in many expressions involving freedom, broadcasting, or simply letting go.

彼は 鳥とりを放はなした。
He released the bird.

ドアを開放かいほうしてください。
Please keep the door open.