escapar
/eskaˈpaɾ/
In Spanish, the phrase 'to escape' is translated as escapar. If unsure, use escapar. Wiktionary also lists eludir.
Meaning: to avoid (any unpleasant person or thing), to elude, get away from (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| escapar | /eskaˈpaɾ/ |
| eludir | /eluˈdiɾ/ |
The verb escapar is the most common way to express physically escaping from a confinement, a person or a dangerous situation. You may also use volar, which literally means 'to fly', to express a desire to escape quickly or get away from a situation.
Which one should you use?
While escapar implies physically getting away from a place or a person, eludir is used for avoiding responsibilities, questions or obligations. For a literal escape or evasion in formal or legal contexts, the noun Evasión is used. In informal settings, the noun escapada often refers to a short weekend trip or a quick getaway for relaxation rather than a flight from danger.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/eskaˈpaɾ/
Did you know?
- When a Spanish speaker says something se escapó, it can mean they accidentally said something they intended to keep secret, similar to the English phrase 'it slipped out'.
- The root of eludir is also related to the English word 'ludicrous', as both come from the Latin word for 'play'.
- The word escapar comes from the Late Latin word cappa, which means 'cloak'. It originally referred to the act of slipping away by hiding under or using a cloak.
Examples in context
- No te dejaré escapar.I won't let you escape.This sentence shows how to use escapar in the context of not letting someone go.Tatoeba #1325864 by hayastan, translation #1324157 by Scott
- No trataré de escapar.I won't try to escape.This sentence demonstrates the use of escapar regarding an attempt to flee.Tatoeba #3390068 by marcelostockle, translation #2276485 by CK
- El pez se quiere escapar.The fish wants to escape.This sentence shows escapar being used to describe an animal wanting to get away.Tatoeba #1370044 by marcelostockle, translation #680839 by Source_VOA
- Necesito huir de esta ciudadI need to escape from this city
- El reo intentó la evasiónThe prisoner attempted to escape
- Quiero escapar de la rutina diariaI want to escape from the daily routine
- Los prisioneros se fugaron durante la nocheThe prisoners escaped during the night
- Necesito volar lejos de esta rutinaI need to fly away from this routine
- 65 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking about a bad coworker at the office.
- JavierTengo que escapar de ese jefe tan molesto.I have to escape from that very annoying boss.
- ElenaYo también quiero escapar de sus quejas.I also want to escape from his complaints.
- Javier¿Crees que podamos escapar de la reunión hoy?Do you think we can escape the meeting today?
- ElenaEs difícil escapar de las reuniones de este equipo.It is difficult to escape from this team's meetings.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “escape” translations and entries escapar, eludir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eludir, escapar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
