Translation guide
The English verb "avoid" covers several distinct intentions: staying away from a person or place, preventing an undesirable event, refraining from doing something, or evading a topic. Japanese uses different verbs and patterns for each.
Physically or socially keeping distance from someone or something.
The most general verb for avoiding something undesirable or unpleasant. Can be used for people, places, or abstract things.
彼は私を避けている。
He is avoiding me.
危険な場所は避けてください。
Please avoid dangerous places.
Dodging or physically moving out of the way of something, like an object or attack.
Literally "not approach". Used when you intentionally stay away from a person or place.
あの人には近づかないほうがいい。
You'd better stay away from that person.
Taking action to stop an undesirable event or outcome.
To prevent or ward off something negative, like an accident, disaster, or problem.
事故を防ぐために注意してください。
Please be careful to avoid accidents.
感染を防ぐ。
Prevent infection.
Pattern meaning "make sure not to..." or "try to avoid doing...". Attach to verb negative stem.
遅れないようにする。
I'll avoid being late.
Formal term for averting or evading a crisis, risk, or responsibility. Common in business or technical contexts.
リスクを回避する。
Avoid risk.
Choosing not to do an action, often because it's undesirable or inappropriate.
Pattern meaning "refrain from doing" or "leave it undone" for now. Implies a deliberate choice.
今日はお酒を飲まないでおく。
I'll avoid drinking alcohol today.
Literally "stop doing ~". Used when you decide to avoid an action you might otherwise do.
甘いものを食べるのをやめた。
I stopped eating sweets (to avoid them).
To refrain from, hold back, or moderate. Often used for food, drink, or behavior out of consideration or self-restraint.
Not answering directly or changing the subject.
Also used for avoiding topics or questions.
彼はその質問を避けた。
He avoided the question.
To dodge a question or evade giving a clear answer, often by being vague or changing the subject.
To divert the conversation away from an uncomfortable topic.
彼は話をそらそうとした。
He tried to avoid the subject.
避ける (sakeru) is for avoiding abstract things, people, or situations you want to stay away from. よける (yokeru) is for physically dodging something in motion. Using よける for avoiding a person sounds like you're physically jumping out of their way.
彼を避ける (sakeru) → avoid him (socially)
Avoid him (socially)
彼をよける (yokeru) → physically dodge him
Physically dodge him
While 避ける can sometimes mean "avert," it's more natural to use 防ぐ (fusegu) for preventing negative events like accidents or disasters. 事故を避ける is understandable but 事故を防ぐ is the standard phrase.
ラッシュアワーを避けるようにしている。
I try to avoid rush hour.
彼女は目を合わせなかった。
She avoided eye contact.
Natural Japanese often uses negation (did not make eye contact) rather than a direct translation of "avoid".
混乱を避けるため、説明書をよく読んでください。
To avoid confusion, please read the instructions carefully.
塩分を控えてください。
Please avoid salt (refrain from salt intake).
発言を控える。
Refrain from speaking.
彼は質問をはぐらかした。
He evaded the question.