逃げる
nigeru[ɲ̟iɡe̞ɾɯ̟]
The English phrase 'get away' can be translated into Japanese as 逃げる (nigeru).
In Japanese, the term 逃げる is used to describe the act of escaping or running away from a physical location or danger.
Meaning: to journey (to), especially on holiday (verb)
Which one should you use?
While English uses 'get away' to mean going on a holiday, the Japanese word 逃げる focuses on the act of fleeing. For the sense of 'getting away' for a break or a holiday, a more natural alternative is 旅行に出かける.
How do you pronounce it?
nigeru
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using 逃げる when they mean 'going away on a holiday' or 'getting away for a break', as this specific Japanese word implies fleeing from a threat or a person.
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, the phrase 逃げる is often paired with the idea of 'escaping' the pressures of society or a restrictive job, rather than a physical pursuer.
- In ancient Japanese, 逃げる followed the 'shimo nidan' conjugation pattern, which was a more complex way of changing verb endings than the modern system.
- Using 逃げる in a social context could imply you are avoiding a responsibility or a person, rather than just enjoying a holiday.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 逃げる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 逃げる, CC BY-SA 4.0.
