Translation guide
The English verb 'dodge' can mean physically avoiding something, evading a question or responsibility, or skillfully avoiding a problem. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To move quickly so that something (like a ball, punch, or vehicle) does not hit you.
The most common and general verb for physically dodging something. Can be used for objects, people, or vehicles.
I dodged the ball.
I fell while trying to dodge the bicycle.
Implies a more skillful or nimble dodge, often used in sports or combat. Can also mean 'parry' or 'evade'.
He quickly dodged the punch.
Literally 'dodge with one's body', emphasizing a full-body movement to avoid something.
A car came rushing at me, so I instinctively dodged out of the way.
Means 'to avoid' in a broader sense. Can be used for physical dodging, but often implies avoiding a situation or person rather than a quick movement.
For physical dodging, よける is more natural. 避ける is better for avoiding people or situations.
He is avoiding me.
To avoid answering directly or to escape an obligation.
A common phrase meaning 'to dodge a question'. かわす here implies skillfully evading.
He skillfully dodged the reporter's questions.
Means 'to change the subject' or 'divert the conversation'. A common way to dodge a topic.
Whenever it gets awkward, he always dodges the subject.
Specifically means 'to evade responsibility'. 逃れる is 'to escape from'.
He tried to dodge responsibility.
Means to dodge a question or topic by being vague or evasive. Often used when someone won't give a straight answer.
To escape or circumvent something unpleasant or obligatory.
A general verb for escaping or evading something undesirable. Often used with nouns like 責任 (responsibility), 税金 (taxes), 危険 (danger).
He tried to dodge taxes.
A formal term meaning 'to evade' or 'to avoid'. Often used in legal, business, or technical contexts.
Let's think of ways to dodge the risk.
Literally 'to slip through', used metaphorically for dodging rules, checks, or difficult situations.
よける is the most common for physical dodging. かわす implies a more skillful or nimble movement, often used in sports or fighting. 避ける is broader and often means avoiding a person or situation rather than a quick physical dodge.
Dodge a flying ball.
Dodge a punch (skillfully).
Avoid an unpleasant person.
He keeps dodging the question.
He always dodges the rules.