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.
ボールをよけた。
I dodged the ball.
自転車をよけようとして転んだ。
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'.
彼はパンチを素早くかわした。
He quickly dodged the punch.
Literally 'dodge with one's body', emphasizing a full-body movement to avoid something.
車が突っ込んできたので、とっさに身をかわした。
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.
彼は私を避けている。
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.
彼は記者の質問をうまくかわした。
He skillfully dodged the reporter's questions.
Means 'to change the subject' or 'divert the conversation'. A common way to dodge a topic.
都合が悪くなると、彼はいつも話をそらす。
Whenever it gets awkward, he always dodges the subject.
Specifically means 'to evade responsibility'. 逃れる is 'to escape from'.
彼は責任を逃れようとした。
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).
彼は税金を逃れようとした。
He tried to dodge taxes.
A formal term meaning 'to evade' or 'to avoid'. Often used in legal, business, or technical contexts.
リスクを回避する方法を考えよう。
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.
飛んでくるボールをよける。
Dodge a flying ball.
パンチをかわす。
Dodge a punch (skillfully).
嫌な人を避ける。
Avoid an unpleasant person.
彼は質問をはぐらかしてばかりいる。
He keeps dodging the question.
彼はいつも規則をすり抜ける。
He always dodges the rules.