Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "run off" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: leaving quickly, making copies, and causing liquid to flow away. It also touches on less common uses like winning easily or writing quickly.
To depart suddenly, escape, or run away.
He ran off when he saw the police. · The kids ran off to play.
General verb for escaping or running away from a place or situation.
The thief ran off through the back door.
Literally 'run and leave', emphasizes the act of running away.
He ran off without saying anything.
To leave in a hurry, more formal or descriptive.
She ran off in a hurry.
Slang for sneaking away or running off, often to avoid trouble.
This is bad, let's run off.
To produce copies using a printer or copier.
Could you run off a few copies for the meeting? · I need to run off some flyers.
To let or make liquid drain or flow off a surface.
The water ran off the table. · Run off the excess liquid.
To win a contest or series by a large margin.
They ran off with the game. · She ran off with first prize.
To produce a piece of writing hastily.
He ran off a quick note. · She ran off a poem in ten minutes.
The English 'run off' is a phrasal verb with meanings that don't correspond to a single Japanese verb. Always consider the intended meaning before choosing a translation.
逃げる focuses on escaping, while 走り去る emphasizes the physical act of running away. Use 逃げる for fleeing from danger or responsibility, and 走り去る when the running motion is important.
She ran off a script.