Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "get away" covers several distinct meanings: escaping, leaving a place (especially for a break), avoiding consequences, and expressing disbelief. This guide breaks down those meanings and gives natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To physically leave a place, often quickly or secretly, or to break free from confinement or a dangerous situation.
The most common and general verb for escaping or running away. Can be used for physical escape, fleeing danger, or avoiding something unpleasant.
泥棒は裏口から逃げた。
The thief got away through the back door.
彼は刑務所から逃げた。
He got away from prison.
A more formal or dramatic word for escaping, often used for breaking out of confinement or a dangerous situation. Common in news or action contexts.
人質は無事に脱出した。
The hostages got away safely.
To slip away or sneak out, often from a group or a place you are supposed to be. Implies leaving quietly or unnoticed.
会議を抜け出して電話した。
I got away from the meeting to make a call.
To successfully escape and not be caught; to get away completely. Often used when being chased.
犯人はまだ逃げ切っている。
The culprit has still gotten away.
To go somewhere away from home or work for relaxation, often for a short trip.
A natural way to say 'go away somewhere' for leisure. The 'somewhere' (どこか) makes it equivalent to 'get away' without specifying a destination.
週末はどこかに出かけたい。
I want to get away this weekend.
Literally 'go on a trip'. A straightforward way to express getting away for travel.
たまには旅行に行ってリフレッシュしたい。
I want to get away and refresh myself sometimes.
To take a breather or break. Focuses on the purpose of getting away (relaxation) rather than the physical movement.
仕事から離れて息抜きをしよう。
Let's get away from work and take a break.
To escape from something unpleasant, like daily stress. Can be used poetically for 'getting away from it all'.
To do something wrong and not be caught or punished; to escape blame or responsibility.
Literally 'escape punishment'. A direct and clear way to express getting away with a crime or misdeed.
彼は罪を犯したが、罰を逃れた。
He committed a crime but got away with it.
To escape skillfully or successfully. Implies getting away without being caught, often used in casual contexts.
あの子はいつも宿題を忘れてもうまく逃げる。
That kid always gets away with forgetting homework.
A noun phrase meaning 'without reprimand' or 'getting off scot-free'. Used when someone avoids blame entirely.
遅刻したけど、お咎めなしだった。
I was late but got away with it.
Used as an exclamation to express surprise or skepticism, like 'No way!' or 'You're kidding!'.
An interjection expressing disbelief or surprise. Equivalent to 'No way!' or 'Get away!' in British English.
まさか！本当に宝くじが当たったの？
Get away! Did you really win the lottery?
Literally 'It's a lie, right?' A very common casual expression of disbelief, like 'You're kidding!'.
え、転職するの？嘘でしょ！
What, you're changing jobs? Get away!
Similar to 嘘でしょ, meaning 'You're joking, right?'.
冗談でしょ？そんなことありえない。
Get away! That can't be true.
The English phrasal verb 'get away' does not have a single direct Japanese equivalent. Translating it word-for-word (e.g., 得る + 離れて) will result in nonsense. Always choose the Japanese expression that matches the intended meaning.
都会の喧騒から逃れたい。
I want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.