Translation and Meaning of: 逃亡 - toubou

If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, you may have come across the word 逃亡 (とうぼう). It carries an intense meaning and appears in contexts ranging from news to dramas and animes. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some curiosities that can help fix it in memory.

In addition to understanding the literal translation of 逃亡, it is important to know its cultural weight and the scenarios in which it arises. Is it common in everyday life? How do the Japanese perceive it? Let's answer these questions and more, always based on reliable sources and real examples. If you are looking for a detailed dictionary to check terms like this, Suki Nihongo is a great reference.

Meaning and use of 逃亡 (とうぼう)

逃亡 is composed of two kanji: 逃 (to flee, to escape) and 亡 (to lose, to die). Together, they form a word that means "escape," especially in situations of despair or illegality. Unlike simply leaving a place, とうぼう implies avoiding capture or responsibility, such as a prisoner escaping from the police or someone leaving debts behind.

In Japan, this term frequently appears in reports about wanted criminals or in dramatic narratives. For example, in animes like "Monster", the tension surrounding fleeing characters uses 逃亡 to convey urgency. It is rare to hear it in casual conversations unless the context is truly serious or formal.

Cultural context and practical examples

Culturally, the idea of 逃亡 is linked to concepts such as honor and responsibility. Running away from problems is viewed extremely negatively in Japanese society, which reinforces the heavy tone of the word. It's no wonder that it appears in headlines or fictional works with dark themes, such as betrayal or existential crises.

A classic example is the use in news about executives who disappear to avoid corporate scandals. The local media describes these cases with 逃亡, highlighting the seriousness of abandoning duties. Outside of these situations, you will hardly find it in everyday dialogues, unless debating something serious.

How to memorize 逃亡 (とうぼう)

An effective way to fixate this word is to associate it with striking images. Think of movie scenes where someone runs at night, being chased — this is the essence of 逃亡. Another tip is to remember the kanji 逃 (to escape), which also appears in 逃げる (にげる, "to flee"), a more generic verb. The radical 亡, in turn, appears in terms such as 死亡 (しぼう, "death"), reinforcing the idea of loss or end.

If you use flashcards, include sentences like "犯人は逃亡中" (The criminal is on the run) to provide context. The pronunciation "とうぼう" has a strong rhythm, which helps differentiate it from lighter words. Repeating it out loud can also be helpful, as the sound carries the intensity of the meaning.