Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Run" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "run", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
逃げる
にげる (nigeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
駆ける
かける (kakeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "run" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 逃げる and 駆ける.
In Japanese, 逃げる (にげる (nigeru)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, 駆ける (かける (kakeru)) maps to "to run (quickly), to gallop, to dash" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies running quickly or at a full dash, often with a sense of urgency or speed. More dynamic and emphasizes speed compared to 走る. A literal translation of "run" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "逃げる"
彼は危険から逃げた。
He ran away from danger.
Bilingual Context for "駆ける"
遅刻しそうだったので、駅まで全速力で駆けた。
I was about to be late, so I dashed to the station at full speed.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は危険から逃げた。" (Meaning: "He ran away from danger.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "逃げる" fits here because it means "to run away; to escape" in the context of: "He ran away from danger.". "駆ける" represents "to run (quickly), to gallop, to dash".