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.
He is avoiding me.
Please avoid dangerous places.
Dodging or physically moving out of the way of something, like an object or attack.
Dodge a ball.
Avoid a car (by stepping aside).
Literally "not approach". Used when you intentionally stay away from a person or place.
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.
Please be careful to avoid accidents.
Pattern meaning "make sure not to..." or "try to avoid doing...". Attach to verb negative stem.
I'll avoid being late.
Formal term for averting or evading a crisis, risk, or responsibility. Common in business or technical contexts.
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.
I'll avoid drinking alcohol today.
Literally "stop doing ~". Used when you decide to avoid an action you might otherwise do.
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.
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.
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.
Avoid him (socially)
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.
I try to avoid rush hour.
She avoided eye contact.
Natural Japanese often uses negation (did not make eye contact) rather than a direct translation of "avoid".
To avoid confusion, please read the instructions carefully.
Prevent infection.
塩分を控えてください。
Please avoid salt (refrain from salt intake).
Refrain from speaking.
He evaded the question.