Translation and Meaning of: 避ける - sakeru

The Japanese word 避ける [さける] is an essential verb for anyone learning the language, especially due to its frequent use in everyday life. Its main meaning is "to avoid" or "to dodge," but like many words in Japanese, its use goes beyond the literal translation. In this article, we will explore everything from its meaning and writing to curiosities about how this word is perceived in Japanese culture. If you have used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you may have come across it in practical sentences – now, let's understand its context more deeply.

Meaning and usage of 避ける

The verb 避ける conveys the idea of intentionally distancing oneself from something, whether it be a physical object, a situation, or even a person. It can be used in both concrete contexts, such as avoiding an obstacle in the path, as well as in abstract situations, like escaping discussions. For example, 危険を避ける (kiken o sakeru) means "to avoid dangers."

An interesting characteristic is that さける (sakeru) does not imply only a physical action, but also a conscious decision. Unlike words like 逃げる (nigeru, "to flee"), which suggest a more impulsive reaction, 避ける (sakeru) has a more strategic tone. This reflects a Japanese cultural aspect: the appreciation of prudence and planning.

The writing in kanji and its origin

The kanji 避 is composed of the radical 辶 (which indicates movement) combined with 辟 (originally related to "deviate" or "move away"). This combination reinforces the idea of moving away from something. The reading さける is of Japanese origin (kun'yomi), while the on'yomi reading ひ (hi) appears in words like 回避 (kaihi, "evasion").

It is worth noting that this kanji is not one of the simplest – it has 16 strokes – but its logical structure aids in memorization. The radical 辶 appears in several other movement verbs, such as 返す (kaesu, "return") and 進む (susumu, "advance"), which can be useful for students to associate word families.

Cultural contexts and special uses

In Japan, avoiding direct conflicts is often seen as a virtue, and 避ける appears in expressions that reflect this. For example, 人混みを避ける (hitogomi o sakeru, "avoid crowds") is not just about convenience, but also about respecting others' space. In work environments, it is common to hear トラブルを避ける (toraburu o sakeru, "avoid problems").

Interestingly, this word also appears in public notices, such as signs that say 落石注意、迂回を避ける (rakuseki chuui, ukai o sakeru – "Caution: falling rocks, avoid detours"). Here, the verb takes on a nearly institutional tone, demonstrating its versatility in both formal and informal registers.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 避ける

• 避けます - Polite affirmative form
• 避けません - Negative form, polite
• 避ける - Affirmative form, casual
• 避けない - Negative form, casual
• 避けよう - Imperative form, volitional

Synonyms and similar words

• 避く (saku) - Avoid
• 回避する (kaihi suru) - To avoid, to actively steer clear of something
• 避ける (sakeru) - Avoid, evade a situation
• 避る (sukaru) - Dodge, escape
• 避けがたい (sakegatai) - Hard to avoid
• 避けがたさ (sakegatasu) - Quality of being hard to avoid
• 避けがたい事実 (sakegatai jijitsu) - Fact that is hard to avoid
• 避けがたい問題 (sakegatai mondai) - A problem that is difficult to avoid

避ける

Romaji: sakeru
Kana: さける
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: avoid

Meaning in English: to avoid

Definition: distance oneself from something.

Example Sentences - (避ける) sakeru

See below some example sentences:

損なうことは避けたい。

Sonnau koto wa saketai

I want to avoid causing harm.

I want to avoid losing.

• 損なう - means "to harm" or "to damage."
• こと - It is a noun that means "thing" or "fact".
• は - It is a particle that marks the topic of the sentence, indicating that what follows is the main subject.
• 避けたい - it's a verb that means "to want to avoid".

溜まることは避けたい。

Tamaru koto wa saketai

I want to avoid accumulating.

I want to avoid accumulating.

• 溜まる - accumulate
• こと - thing
• は - Topic particle
• 避けたい - want to avoid

痛めることは避けたいです。

Itameru koto wa saketai desu

I want to avoid hurting.

• 痛める - verb meaning "to hurt" or "to wound"
• こと - noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 避ける - verb that means "avoid" or "prevent"
• たい - suffix that indicates desire or will
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

罰を受けることは避けたいです。

Batsu wo ukeru koto wa saketai desu

I want to avoid being punished.

• 罰を受ける - Receiving a punishment
• こと - Particle indicating that the previous word is a noun
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 避けたい - Want to avoid
• です - particle indicating the formality of the sentence

軽率な行動は避けよう。

Keiritsu na kōdō wa sakeyou

Avoid careless behavior.

• 軽率な - adjective that means "reckless" or "frivolous"
• 行動 - noun that means "action" or "behavior"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 避けよう - The verb that means "to avoid" or "to prevent" conjugated in the imperative form is "evite."