Translation guide
The act of running away or escaping from danger, pursuit, or an unpleasant situation. In Japanese, the most common and neutral word is 逃げる (nigeru), but there are several nuanced alternatives depending on the context, such as escaping from confinement, fleeing in panic, or making a getaway.
The general act of fleeing to avoid harm, capture, or confrontation.
The most common and versatile verb for 'to flee' or 'to run away'. Can be used for physical escape from danger, running away from responsibilities, or avoiding something unpleasant.
泥棒は警察から逃げた。
The thief fled from the police.
彼は戦場から逃げ出した。
He ran away from the battlefield.
A more formal or literary term for 'flight' or 'escape', often used in news reports or official contexts. Implies a deliberate act of fleeing, especially from authorities.
犯人は車で逃走した。
The suspect fled in a car.
Compound verb emphasizing the start of fleeing or running away suddenly. Often used when someone bolts or makes a dash for it.
犬が突然逃げ出した。
The dog suddenly ran away.
Refers to absconding or fleeing from legal custody, or going on the run. Strongly associated with fugitives.
彼は国外に逃亡した。
He fled the country.
Fleeing by breaking free from a confined space, captivity, or a trap.
To escape from a confined space or dangerous situation, such as a building, prison, or vehicle. Emphasizes getting out.
彼らは燃えるビルから脱出した。
They escaped from the burning building.
囚人が刑務所から脱出した。
The prisoner escaped from the prison.
To escape from a difficult situation, danger, or pursuit, often with a nuance of slipping away or avoiding something. Can be used for both physical and abstract escapes.
To slip out or sneak away from a place or situation, often unnoticed. Implies leaving a group or a place quietly.
Running away in a chaotic, frightened manner, often in a group.
To run about in confusion or panic, trying to escape. Often used for crowds fleeing a disaster.
人々は火事から逃げ惑った。
People fled in panic from the fire.
A literary or formal term for fleeing in disorder, often used in historical or military contexts.
敵軍は遁走した。
The enemy army fled in disarray.
Fleeing swiftly, often with a sense of urgency or stealth.
Slang for 'to make a run for it' or 'to scram'. Very casual and often used in speech or light-hearted contexts.
やばい、ずらかろう！
This is bad, let's get out of here!
To flee away, leaving the scene. Emphasizes the departure and disappearance.
逃げる is the general 'run away'. 脱出する is specifically 'escape from confinement'. 逃走する is formal 'flight' often used for criminals. Choose based on context: everyday escape → 逃げる, breaking out → 脱出する, news report → 逃走する.
彼は犬から逃げた。
He ran away from the dog.
乗客は沈む船から脱出した。
The passengers escaped from the sinking ship.
犯人は逃走中です。
The suspect is at large.
逃亡する specifically implies absconding from legal custody or going on the run. Using it for everyday fleeing sounds overly dramatic or incorrect. Stick to 逃げる for general situations.
村人たちは迫り来る軍隊から逃げた。
The villagers fled from the approaching army.
彼女は泣きながら部屋を飛び出した。
She fled the room in tears.
容疑者はまだ逃走中です。
The suspect is still fleeing.
He escaped from danger.
He slipped out of the meeting.
The birds all flew away at once.