esquivar
/eskiˈbaɾ/
To dodge in Spanish is esquivar.
The verb esquivar means to avoid something by moving out of the way. This applies to physical objects that you move your body to avoid, as well as abstract concepts such as dodging a question or avoiding responsibilities.
Meaning: to avoid by moving out of the way (verb)
Which one should you use?
While esquivar is the standard term for both physical movement and avoiding abstract things, other regional terms exist for specific contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the slang term zafar is used to express the idea of dodging. In Spain, the term escaquearse is used to convey the concept of dodging.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular preterite (past tense) of esquivar is esquivó (he/she dodged). The gerund form is esquivando.
How do you pronounce it?
/eskiˈbaɾ/
Did you know?
- The English word 'shy', which describes a person who avoids social contact, shares an ancient history with the same roots that gave us esquivar.
- Spanish speakers use esquivar to describe dodging a question, but they might use evadir when referring to 'tax evasion' specifically.
- The word esquivo is the adjective form of esquivar and describes a person who is shy or elusive, rather than just someone who is physically dodging.
Examples in context
- No puedo esquivar la pregunta.I can't dodge the question.This sentence shows how to use esquivar when referring to an abstract concept like a question.Tatoeba #4571046 by Sandra2, translation #12430906 by DJ_Saidez
- El jugador logró evitar los ataques del oponente.The player managed to dodge the opponent's attacks.
- El atleta supo esquivar el golpe del oponente.The athlete knew how to dodge the opponent's blow.
- Es importante esquivar los obstáculos en el camino.It's important to dodge obstacles on the road.
- ¡Casi me atropella un auto! Por suerte logré zafar.I almost got hit by a car! Luckily, I managed to dodge it.
- Siempre trata de zafar de los problemas en lugar de enfrentarlos.He always tries to dodge problems instead of facing them.
- Él esquivó el golpe.He dodged the blow.
- Debes esquivar el golpe.You must dodge the blow.
- Ella intentó esquivar la pelota.She tried to dodge the ball.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are playing a game of dodgeball in the park.
- Javier¿Puedes esquivar el lanzamiento?Can you dodge the throw?
- LucíaSí, soy muy rápida.Yes, I am very fast.
- Javier¡Mira, tienes que esquivar!Look, you have to dodge!
- Lucía¡Lo esquivé con éxito!I dodged it successfully!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dodge” translations and entries esquivar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esquivar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
