1.
to dodge; to step aside; to get out of the way
To physically move out of the path of something approaching, such as a vehicle, thrown object, or oncoming person.
ボールを避ける。
Dodge a ball.
車が来たので、道の端に避けた。
A car was coming, so I stepped to the side of the road.
水たまりを避けながら歩いていたら、後ろから自転車が来て慌てて避けた。
While walking and stepping around puddles, a bicycle came from behind and I hurriedly jumped out of the way.
USAGE NOTES:
避ける (ichidan verb, reading よける) focuses on the physical act of dodging or stepping aside. The same kanji 避ける (also ichidan, reading さける) means to avoid or keep away from in a broader sense — avoiding people, topics, risks, etc.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 避ける (さける) — to avoid in general (abstract or physical); broader meaning
- 避ける (よける) — specifically to dodge or physically get out of the way; more concrete
- 躱す — to dodge skillfully, often used in martial arts and sports
PARTICLE PATTERNS:
- AをBに避ける is not used; instead: Aを避ける (dodge A)
- 道を避ける (get out of the way)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ボールを避ける (dodge a ball)
- 車を避ける (get out of the way of a car)
- 水たまりを避ける (step around a puddle)
Related Words
Contrast:
避ける (to avoid (general))