Japanese word

避ける

Pronunciation

Romajisakeru

Meaning

  • verbavoid

Example

飛んでくるボールを避けます。to n de ku ru bō ru o sa ke ma su

I dodge a ball flying toward me.

Illustration for 避ける (avoid)

More examples

旅行では危険な場所を避けます。ryo kō de wa ki ken na ba sho o sa ke ma su

When I travel, I avoid dangerous places.

Core concept

It describes changing course or choice so that a person, object, danger, or unwanted situation does not reach someone.

Common phrases

  • 危険を避けるki ken o sa ke ru

    avoid danger

  • 問題を避けるmon dai o sa ke ru

    avoid problems

  • 人混みを避けるhito go mi o sa ke ru

    avoid crowds

Similar words

かわすkawasu: To move aside so that a person or object coming toward someone does not hit them.
逃げるnigeru: To move away quickly from danger, a person, or a place to stay safe.

Definition in Japanese

人や物の進路から身をかわしたり、危険や面倒な事態に近づかないようにしたりすること。hito ya mono no shin ro ka ra mi o ka wa shi ta ri ki ken ya men dō na ji tai ni chika zu ka na i yō ni shi ta ri su ru ko to

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 避ける (sakeru) continues the older form 避く (saku), whose recorded meaning is "to avoid" or "to keep away from".

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 避ける (sakeru) applies to both a ball coming toward someone and a topic or problem that someone does not want to face.

Other meanings

  • dodgeverb

Opposites

  • 向き合うmukiaufaceverb

Related words

  • 避け方sakekataway of avoidingnoun

Word lists with this word