身みをかわす

Meanings

1

expression, godan verb (-su)

Refers to physically moving one's body to avoid an attack, obstacle, or something coming toward you. Often used in martial arts, sports, or dangerous situations.

彼かれは素す早ばやく身みをかわして、相あい手てのパンチを避さけた。
He quickly dodged and avoided his opponent's punch.

車くるま

が

突つ

っ

込こ

ん

で

き

た

が

、

間かん

一いっ

髪ぱつ

で

身み

を

かわし

た

。

A car came rushing at me, but I dodged it at the last moment.

Written forms

身みをかわす
Standard spelling using the common kana form of the verb.
身みを躱かわす
Kanji spelling using 躱, which specifically means 'to dodge' or 'to evade'. Less common but precise.

Kanji

身somebody, person, one's station in life
躱dodge, parry, avoid

Similar words

避さける
避ける is a more general verb for avoiding something, not necessarily involving physical movement. 身をかわす specifically implies moving one's body out of the way.
よける
よける also means to dodge or avoid, but is more casual and can be used for inanimate objects as well. 身をかわす emphasizes the bodily movement.

Etymology

Compound of 身 (body) + を (object marker) + かわす (to dodge, to evade). The verb かわす is often written in kana, but the kanji 躱 exists specifically for this meaning.