Translation guide
How to express the idea of fleeing or running away suddenly, often in fear or to escape.
To run away quickly, often in fear or panic.
A common and natural way to say 'run away' or 'flee'. It emphasizes the action of escaping from a place or situation.
泥棒は警察を見て逃げ出した。
The thief took to his heels when he saw the police.
Literally 'run away at full speed'. It vividly describes fleeing as fast as possible, often in a straight line.
熊を見て、彼は一目散に逃げた。
When he saw the bear, he took to his heels and ran for his life.
A literary expression meaning 'flee like a fleeing rabbit'. It conveys a sudden, swift escape. Used in written or formal contexts.
彼は脱兎のごとく逃げ去った。
He took to his heels and vanished like a rabbit.
To flee from a threatening situation or person.
The basic verb for 'run away' or 'escape'. It can be used in many contexts, from physical danger to avoiding responsibility.
逃げる is the general verb for 'escape' or 'run away'. 逃げ出す adds the nuance of 'dashing out' or 'fleeing from a place', often suddenly. For 'take to one's heels', 逃げ出す is often a closer match because it implies a sudden start.
彼は怖くて逃げ出した。
He was so scared he took to his heels.
Do not translate 'take to one's heels' literally into Japanese. Expressions like かかとを使う (use one's heels) are not idiomatic and will not be understood.
火事から逃げるのに必死だった。
They took to their heels to escape the fire.
A more formal term for 'flee' or 'escape', often used in news reports or official contexts.
犯人は現場から逃走した。
The suspect took to his heels and fled the scene.