Translation guide
To prevent something harmful from affecting you, such as danger, illness, or evil spirits.
To keep something bad from happening or affecting you, often in a protective sense.
General verb for preventing or defending against something undesirable. Used for physical threats, illness, accidents, etc.
To keep away evil spirits, bad luck, or curses using charms or rituals.
A charm or talisman to ward off evil spirits. Can also be used as a noun modifier.
To physically block or deflect an incoming strike.
To dodge or parry an attack. Common in martial arts and sports.
防ぐ (ふせぐ) focuses on actively preventing something from happening or entering, while 避ける (さける) means to avoid or stay away from something. Use 防ぐ for protective measures and 避ける for evasive actions.
風邪を防ぐためにマスクをする。
Wear a mask to ward off colds. (prevention)
人混みを避ける。
Avoid crowds. (evasion)
Wash your hands to ward off infection.
日焼け止めで紫外線を防ぐ。
Use sunscreen to ward off UV rays.
To avoid or keep away from something harmful. Often implies staying clear of a situation or thing.
危険を避けるために早めに帰った。
I went home early to ward off danger.
To repel or drive back an attacker or threat. More forceful and often used for physical attacks.
熊を撃退する方法を学ぶ。
Learn how to ward off a bear.
玄関に魔除けを飾る。
I put up a charm to ward off evil at the entrance.
Protection against misfortune or bad luck, often through Shinto or Buddhist practices.
厄除けのお守りを買った。
I bought an amulet to ward off bad luck.
Literally 'drive away demons', used in traditional rituals like Setsubun.
豆をまいて鬼を払う。
We scatter beans to ward off demons.
パンチを素早くかわした。
He quickly warded off the punch.
To deflect or parry an attack, redirecting its force. Used in swordsmanship and figurative contexts.
刀で攻撃を受け流す。
Ward off the attack with a sword.