逃げる
nigeru[ɲ̟iɡe̞ɾɯ̟]
The English phrase "run away" is translated into Japanese as 逃げる (nigeru). Wiktionary also lists 逃走する (tousousuru).
Meaning: to flee by running (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 逃げる | nigeru | [ɲ̟iɡe̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 逃走する | tousousuru |
逃げる is a common way to express running away or escaping. It can be used for physically running away from a person or a source of danger, and it can also be used more figuratively, such as escaping a difficult situation or avoiding a responsibility.
Which one should you use?
While 逃げる is the standard, common way to say run away, 逃走する (tousousuru) is used when you want to be more formal, clinical or legalistic in your description of a person fleeing.
How do you pronounce it?
nigeru
Did you know?
- The phrase 逃げる can be used to describe a physical object, such as a soap bar slipping out of your hand in the shower.
- In Japanese pop culture, the phrase 逃げるは恥だ (nigeru wa haji da) means 'running away is shameful', a common societal sentiment often challenged in modern dramas.
- The phrase 逃げ足が速い (nigeashi ga hayai) literally means 'escape legs are fast' and is used to describe someone who is quick to flee a situation.
Examples in context
- 彼が逃げるのを見ました。I saw him run away.This sentence is useful for practicing the form 逃げる.Tatoeba #154413 by bunbuku, translation #28945 by CK
- 彼らは危機に瀕すると、逃げる。When they are in danger, they run away.Tatoeba #3415896 by arnab, translation #20697 by mcq
- 彼は逃げるよりほか仕方がなかった。He had no choice but to run away.Tatoeba #101711 by bunbuku, translation #301982 by CK
- 彼女は恥ずかしがって逃げてしまいました。She got embarrassed and ran away.
- 彼は警察から逃れるために町を駆け抜けた。He ran through the town to escape from the police.
- 面倒くさいから、逃げちゃおう！It's too much trouble, let's run away!
- 友達とケンカして、逃げちゃった。I fought with my friend and ran away.
- あいつはよく何かあって逃げて来るけど、すぐ戻ってくるんだ。That person often runs away when something happens, but they always come back quickly.
- ピンチの時はいつも逃げ道を探すのが私の特技！My talent is always finding an escape route in times of trouble!
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota see a scary dog approaching them.
- 結衣 Yui大変！あの犬、こっちに来るよ！Taihen! Ano inu, kocchi ni kuru yo!Oh no! That dog is coming this way!
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。早く逃げるぞ！Hontou da. Hayaku nigeru zo!You're right. Let's run away quickly!
- 結衣 Yuiどこへ逃げる？Doko e nigeru?Where should we run to?
- 陽太 Yotaあっちの路地に入ろう！Acchi no roji ni hairou!Let's go into that alley over there!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “run away” translations and entries 逃げる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
