Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "get away" covers several distinct meanings: escaping, leaving a place (especially for a break), avoiding consequences, and expressing disbelief. This guide breaks down those meanings and gives natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To physically leave a place, often quickly or secretly, or to break free from confinement or a dangerous situation.
The most common and general verb for escaping or running away. Can be used for physical escape, fleeing danger, or avoiding something unpleasant.
The thief got away through the back door.
He got away from prison.
A more formal or dramatic word for escaping, often used for breaking out of confinement or a dangerous situation. Common in news or action contexts.
The hostages got away safely.
To slip away or sneak out, often from a group or a place you are supposed to be. Implies leaving quietly or unnoticed.
I got away from the meeting to make a call.
To successfully escape and not be caught; to get away completely. Often used when being chased.
The culprit has still gotten away.
To go somewhere away from home or work for relaxation, often for a short trip.
A natural way to say 'go away somewhere' for leisure. The 'somewhere' (どこか) makes it equivalent to 'get away' without specifying a destination.
I want to get away this weekend.
Literally 'go on a trip'. A straightforward way to express getting away for travel.
To take a breather or break. Focuses on the purpose of getting away (relaxation) rather than the physical movement.
To escape from something unpleasant, like daily stress. Can be used poetically for 'getting away from it all'.
To do something wrong and not be caught or punished; to escape blame or responsibility.
Literally 'escape punishment'. A direct and clear way to express getting away with a crime or misdeed.
He committed a crime but got away with it.
To escape skillfully or successfully. Implies getting away without being caught, often used in casual contexts.
A noun phrase meaning 'without reprimand' or 'getting off scot-free'. Used when someone avoids blame entirely.
I was late but got away with it.
Used as an exclamation to express surprise or skepticism, like 'No way!' or 'You're kidding!'.
An interjection expressing disbelief or surprise. Equivalent to 'No way!' or 'Get away!' in British English.
Get away! Did you really win the lottery?
Literally 'It's a lie, right?' A very common casual expression of disbelief, like 'You're kidding!'.
What, you're changing jobs? Get away!
Similar to 嘘でしょ, meaning 'You're joking, right?'.
Get away! That can't be true.
The English phrasal verb 'get away' does not have a single direct Japanese equivalent. Translating it word-for-word (e.g., 得る + 離れて) will result in nonsense. Always choose the Japanese expression that matches the intended meaning.
to get away (escape)
to get away (go on a break)
I want to get away and refresh myself sometimes.
Let's get away from work and take a break.
都会の喧騒から逃れたい。
I want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
That kid always gets away with forgetting homework.