Translation guide
The English word "evasive" describes avoiding something, especially giving a direct answer or being hard to catch. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; instead, different words and phrases are used depending on whether you mean avoiding a question, being physically elusive, or taking evasive action.
Describing a person, answer, or statement that deliberately avoids giving a clear or direct response.
Means 'vague' or 'ambiguous'. Often used for evasive answers that are unclear or non-committal.
彼の返事は曖昧だった。
His reply was evasive.
Literally 'not clear'. A very common way to say someone is being evasive or non-committal.
彼女ははっきりしない答えをした。
She gave an evasive answer.
Directly means 'evasive' in the sense of avoiding something. Often used in formal contexts.
彼の回答は回避的だった。
His response was evasive.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to be evasive' or 'to beat around the bush'. Literally 'to muddy one's words'.
彼は質問に言葉を濁した。
He was evasive about the question.
An adverb describing someone who dodges questions or avoids commitment in a slippery way.
彼はのらりくらりとかわした。
He evaded the question evasively.
Describing a person, animal, or object that is difficult to capture, find, or pin down.
Literally 'hard to catch'. The most straightforward way to describe someone or something physically evasive.
その犯人は捕まえにくい。
The suspect is evasive.
Describes someone or something quick and nimble, making them hard to catch. Often used for children or small animals.
その子はすばしっこくて捕まえられない。
That kid is so evasive I can't catch him.
Describing a deliberate movement to avoid something, such as in driving, sports, or military contexts.
Literally 'evasive action'. The standard term for any deliberate maneuver to avoid something.
パイロットは回避行動を取った。
The pilot took evasive action.
The noun 'evasion' or 'avoidance'. Can be used in compounds like 回避運動 (evasive movement).
車は回避運動を行った。
The car performed an evasive maneuver.
回避的 is only for abstract avoidance, like avoiding a topic or responsibility. For physical elusiveness, use 捕まえにくい or すばしっこい.
Both mean 'vague' or 'evasive' for answers. 曖昧 is slightly more formal and can imply intentional ambiguity. はっきりしない is more colloquial and can also mean 'unclear' in a neutral sense.
A four-character idiom meaning 'appearing and disappearing unpredictably', like a phantom. Used for someone who is extremely elusive.
彼は神出鬼没だ。
He is as evasive as a phantom.