Translation guide
The English verb "avert" has two main uses: preventing something bad from happening, and turning away one's eyes or gaze. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each.
To stop an undesirable event or outcome from occurring, such as a crisis, disaster, or danger.
The most common and versatile verb for avoiding or averting something negative. Can be used for both physical avoidance and abstract prevention.
To deliberately look away from something, often due to discomfort, embarrassment, or to avoid seeing something unpleasant.
The most natural way to say "avert one's eyes/gaze". Literally "divert one's eyes".
彼は私から目をそらした。
He averted his eyes from me.
避ける (sakeru) is about avoiding something, often by staying away or choosing not to engage. 防ぐ (fusegu) is about actively preventing something, often by taking protective measures. For example, 危険を避ける (avoid danger) vs 事故を防ぐ (prevent an accident).
There is no single Japanese verb that covers both meanings of 'avert'. Using 避ける for turning away eyes would be unnatural; always use 目をそらす or similar for gaze aversion.
He averted danger.
戦争を避けるために外交努力が続けられた。
Diplomatic efforts continued to avert war.
Focuses on actively preventing or defending against something, often implying a protective measure. Commonly used for disasters, accidents, or attacks.
事故を防ぐために安全対策が強化された。
Safety measures were strengthened to avert accidents.
彼の迅速な行動が大惨事を防いだ。
His quick action averted a catastrophe.
Literally "prevent before it happens". A stronger, more formal phrase often used in news or official contexts to emphasize proactive prevention.
テロを未然に防ぐための情報共有が重要だ。
Information sharing is crucial to avert terrorism before it occurs.
A formal term meaning to evade or avert, often used for risks, crises, or undesirable situations. Common in business and technical contexts.
リスクを回避するための計画を立てた。
We made a plan to avert risks.
Means to escape or be spared from something bad, often implying a narrow avoidance. More literary or formal.
彼は死を免れた。
He averted death.
I couldn't avert my eyes from the scene.
Similar to 目をそらす but slightly more formal or literary, as 視線 means "gaze" or "line of sight".
彼女は恥ずかしそうに視線をそらした。
She averted her gaze shyly.