逃げる
nigeru[ɲ̟iɡe̞ɾɯ̟]
The Japanese verb for to escape is 逃げる (nigeru).
逃げる is the most straightforward and commonly used word for escape in Japanese. It often implies running away physically, but it can also be used metaphorically to mean avoiding a responsibility or a difficult situation.
Meaning: to avoid (any unpleasant person or thing), to elude, get away from (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 逃げる is the general term, other forms offer more specific nuances. 脱出する specifically refers to escaping by breaking free from a confined space or a dangerous situation. If you want to emphasize the act of breaking free or running away with a sense of urgency or spontaneity, 逃げ出す is a suitable term. Additionally, 逃がす is used when you let someone or something escape.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense of 逃げる is 逃げた. To describe someone who is currently in the process of escaping or running away, use the continuous form 逃げている.
How do you pronounce it?
nigeru
Did you know?
- There is a common Japanese proverb 逃げるは恥だが勝ち which translates to 'running away is shameful, but it is a victory'.
- In Japanese, the verb 逃げる can be used to describe a person's eyes 'escaping' or 'fleeing' from a gaze, similar to how English uses 'avoiding' eye contact.
- The word 逃げる can describe a physical object that has slipped out of place or a button that has come loose from a garment.
Examples in context
- 逃げるすきはなかった。I had no chance to escape.This sentence shows how to express having no chance to escape using 逃げる.Tatoeba #123887 by bunbuku, translation #280108 by CK
- 逃げる方法を考えなくては。We must devise some means of escape.This sentence shows how to express the need to devise a means of escape using 逃げる.Tatoeba #4213337 by small_snow, translation #25054 by CK
- 逃げることは不可能だった。Escape was impossible.This sentence shows how to express that escape was impossible using 逃げる.Tatoeba #10990139 by small_snow, translation #10992514 by CK
- 彼は警察から逃げました。He escaped from the police.
- 地下室から脱出しなければなりません。We must escape from the basement.
- 彼はトラから逃げ出しました。He escaped from the tiger.
- 彼は囚人たちを逃がしました。He let the prisoners escape.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a scary movie they just watched.
- 蓮 Renあの怪物から逃げるのは無理だよ。Ano kaibutsu kara nigeru no wa muri da yo.It is impossible to escape from that monster.
- 美咲 Misaki本当だね、怖すぎて逃げられない。Honto da ne, kowasugite nigerarenai.You're right, it's too scary to escape.
- 蓮 Ren美咲、そんなに震えないで。Misaki, sonna ni furenaide.Misaki, don't tremble so much.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮、映画が怖すぎるんだよ。Ren, eiga ga kowasugiru n da yo.Ren, the movie is just too scary.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 逃げる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
