Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Run" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "run", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
走る
はしる (hashiru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
逃げる
にげる (nigeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "run" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 走る and 逃げる.
In Japanese, 走る (はしる (hashiru)) is typically associated with "to run" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Intransitive verb. Used for physical running. Polite form is 走ります.
On the other hand, 逃げる (にげる (nigeru)) maps to "to run away; to escape" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when someone or something flees from danger, a difficult situation, or a person. Can be used literally. A literal translation of "run" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "走る"
毎朝、公園を走ります。
I run in the park every morning.
Bilingual Context for "逃げる"
彼は危険から逃げた。
He ran away from danger.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "毎朝、公園を走ります。" (Meaning: "I run in the park every morning.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "走る" fits here because it means "to run" in the context of: "I run in the park every morning.". "逃げる" represents "to run away; to escape".