Translation guide
How to express 'run away' in Japanese, from physically fleeing to escaping situations or avoiding responsibilities.
The core meaning: to run away from a location, threat, or pursuer.
The most common and general verb for 'run away' or 'escape'. Can be used for physical flight from danger, as well as avoiding unpleasant situations.
Emphasizes the action of starting to run away or fleeing suddenly. Often used when someone bolts from a situation.
He suddenly ran away.
Formal term for 'flee' or 'escape', often used in news reports or legal contexts.
The suspect is on the run.
To run away from problems, duties, or uncomfortable circumstances, not necessarily physical.
Specifically leaving home without permission, often by children or teenagers.
To secretly leave with a romantic partner, often to get married.
The specific term for eloping or running away with a lover.
The two of them eloped.
When an animal or vehicle bolts or goes out of control.
逃げる implies fleeing or escaping, not simply walking away. For leaving calmly, use 立ち去る (たちさる) or 去る (さる).
逃げる is the general 'run away', while 逃れる (のがれる) often means 'escape from' a fate or abstract thing, and can be more literary.
You cannot escape death.
He's always running away from responsibility.