Translation guide
The English verb "avert" has two main uses: preventing something bad from happening, and turning away one's eyes or gaze. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each.
To stop an undesirable event or outcome from occurring, such as a crisis, disaster, or danger.
The most common and versatile verb for avoiding or averting something negative. Can be used for both physical avoidance and abstract prevention.
To deliberately look away from something, often due to discomfort, embarrassment, or to avoid seeing something unpleasant.
The most natural way to say "avert one's eyes/gaze". Literally "divert one's eyes".
避ける (sakeru) is about avoiding something, often by staying away or choosing not to engage. 防ぐ (fusegu) is about actively preventing something, often by taking protective measures. For example, 危険を避ける (avoid danger) vs 事故を防ぐ (prevent an accident).
There is no single Japanese verb that covers both meanings of 'avert'. Using 避ける for turning away eyes would be unnatural; always use 目をそらす or similar for gaze aversion.
彼は危険を避けた。
He averted danger.
Diplomatic efforts continued to avert war.
Focuses on actively preventing or defending against something, often implying a protective measure. Commonly used for disasters, accidents, or attacks.
Safety measures were strengthened to avert accidents.
His quick action averted a catastrophe.
Literally "prevent before it happens". A stronger, more formal phrase often used in news or official contexts to emphasize proactive prevention.
Information sharing is crucial to avert terrorism before it occurs.
A formal term meaning to evade or avert, often used for risks, crises, or undesirable situations. Common in business and technical contexts.
We made a plan to avert risks.
Means to escape or be spared from something bad, often implying a narrow avoidance. More literary or formal.
He averted death.
He averted his eyes from me.
I couldn't avert my eyes from the scene.
Similar to 目をそらす but slightly more formal or literary, as 視線 means "gaze" or "line of sight".
She averted her gaze shyly.