Translation guide
A person who is fleeing from custody, danger, or an oppressive situation. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 逃亡者 (toubousha), but the choice depends on whether the person is escaping from the law, a specific pursuer, or a broader situation.
To refer to someone who has escaped from prison, is avoiding arrest, or is on the run from law enforcement.
The standard, neutral term for a fugitive from justice. Used in news and legal contexts.
警察は逃亡者を追っている。
The police are pursuing the fugitive.
Emphasizes the act of running away. Often used for someone who fled the scene of a crime.
逃走者はまだ捕まっていない。
The fugitive has not been caught yet.
Specifically refers to an escapee, such as from prison or detention.
脱走者は刑務所から逃げた。
The fugitive escaped from prison.
A wanted person, often with a bounty. Has a slightly old-fashioned or dramatic feel.
彼は西部劇に出てくるようなお尋ね者だ。
He's like a fugitive out of a western movie.
To describe someone escaping from a non-legal threat, such as war, persecution, or an abusive environment.
Also used for those fleeing danger, not just the law. Context makes the meaning clear.
彼は戦争から逃れてきた逃亡者だ。
He is a fugitive who fled from the war.
Refers to evacuees or refugees, often used in the context of natural disasters or conflict. Not a direct translation of 'fugitive' but can overlap in meaning.
A plain, descriptive phrase meaning 'a person who has fled'. Useful in casual conversation when a specific term is not needed.
彼は虐待から逃げてきた人だ。
He is a fugitive from abuse.
To describe something that is temporary, elusive, or quickly disappearing. This is a less common, literary use of 'fugitive'.
Means 'momentary' or 'fleeting'. Used for fugitive moments or experiences.
それはつかの間の幸せだった。
It was a fugitive happiness.
A verb meaning 'to escape' or 'to slip away', used poetically for fugitive things.
逃れ去る思い出
fugitive memories
逃亡者 (toubousha) is the most general term for a fugitive. 逃走者 (tousousha) emphasizes the act of fleeing, often from a crime scene. 脱走者 (dassousha) specifically means an escapee from confinement. Use 逃亡者 unless you need to highlight the escape aspect.
While 逃亡者 can refer to someone fleeing danger, it often carries a nuance of guilt or criminality. For people fleeing war or disaster, 避難民 (hinanmin) or 難民 (nanmin) is more appropriate and avoids negative connotations.
多くの避難民が国境を越えた。
Many fugitives crossed the border.