Translation guide
How to express 'run away' in Japanese, from physically fleeing to escaping situations or avoiding responsibilities.
The core meaning: to run away from a location, threat, or pursuer.
The most common and general verb for 'run away' or 'escape'. Can be used for physical flight from danger, as well as avoiding unpleasant situations.
Emphasizes the action of starting to run away or fleeing suddenly. Often used when someone bolts from a situation.
彼は突然逃げ出した。
He suddenly ran away.
Formal term for 'flee' or 'escape', often used in news reports or legal contexts.
犯人は逃走中です。
The suspect is on the run.
To run away from problems, duties, or uncomfortable circumstances, not necessarily physical.
Also used metaphorically for avoiding responsibilities or difficult situations.
現実から逃げるな。
Don't run away from reality.
彼はいつも責任から逃げている。
He's always running away from responsibility.
Literally 'make an escape route', meaning to create a way out or an excuse to avoid something.
彼はいつも逃げ道を作っている。
He always leaves himself a way out.
Specifically leaving home without permission, often by children or teenagers.
The standard term for 'run away from home'. Used as a suru-verb.
彼女は家出した。
She ran away from home.
Literally 'jump out of the house', implies a sudden or impulsive departure from home.
彼は家を飛び出した。
He ran out of the house.
To secretly leave with a romantic partner, often to get married.
The specific term for eloping or running away with a lover.
二人は駆け落ちした。
The two of them eloped.
When an animal or vehicle bolts or goes out of control.
逃げる implies fleeing or escaping, not simply walking away. For leaving calmly, use 立ち去る (たちさる) or 去る (さる).
逃げる is the general 'run away', while 逃れる (のがれる) often means 'escape from' a fate or abstract thing, and can be more literary.
死を逃れることはできない。
You cannot escape death.