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.
The thief fled from the police.
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.
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.
The dog suddenly ran away.
Refers to absconding or fleeing from legal custody, or going on the run. Strongly associated with fugitives.
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.
They escaped from the burning building.
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.
People fled in panic from the fire.
A literary or formal term for fleeing in disorder, often used in historical or military contexts.
The enemy army fled in disarray.
Fleeing swiftly, often with a sense of urgency or stealth.
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.
He ran away from the dog.
The passengers escaped from the sinking ship.
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.
The villagers fled from the approaching army.
She fled the room in tears.
The suspect is still fleeing.
彼は危険から逃れた。
He escaped from danger.
彼は会議を抜け出した。
He slipped out of the meeting.
鳥が一斉に逃げ去った。
The birds all flew away at once.