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A2 verb #1,500 más común 11 min de lectura

evitar

Top 1,500

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos evitar en 30 segundos

Explicación evitar in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 'evitar' as a simple vocabulary word meaning 'to avoid'. The focus is on recognizing the word in basic sentences and understanding its general meaning. Beginners learn to conjugate it in the present tense for the most common subjects: 'yo evito' (I avoid), 'tú evitas' (you avoid), and 'él/ella evita' (he/she avoids). The usage is typically restricted to very concrete, everyday situations. For example, a learner might say 'Evito el azúcar' (I avoid sugar) or 'Evito la lluvia' (I avoid the rain). The grammatical structure taught is primarily 'evitar + noun'. Learners are not yet expected to master complex sentences or the subjunctive mood associated with this verb. The goal is simply to add 'evitar' to their growing list of action verbs and use it to express basic preferences or simple actions taken to stay away from something unpleasant. Teachers often use visual aids, like a person walking away from a raincloud, to solidify the concept. Practice exercises at this level involve matching the word to pictures, filling in the blanks with the correct present tense conjugation, and translating simple sentences. Understanding 'evitar' at A1 sets the foundation for more complex expressions of prevention and avoidance in later stages of learning.

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At the A2 level, the understanding and application of 'evitar' expand significantly. Learners are now expected to use 'evitar' not just with nouns, but also with infinitive verbs. This is a crucial step, as it allows them to express avoiding an action rather than just an object. They learn the structure 'evitar + infinitive', such as 'evito comer tarde' (I avoid eating late) or 'ella evita hablar con él' (she avoids talking to him). This structure is practiced extensively because it differs from English, which uses the gerund ('avoid eating'). A2 learners also begin to use 'evitar' in the past tense (preterite and imperfect) to recount past experiences, like 'Ayer evité el tráfico' (Yesterday I avoided the traffic). Furthermore, the concept of the personal 'a' is reinforced when 'evitar' is used with specific people ('evito a mi jefe'). The contexts become broader, encompassing health advice, daily routines, and simple problem-solving scenarios. Learners practice giving basic advice using 'debes evitar...' (you should avoid...). By the end of A2, 'evitar' should be an active part of the learner's vocabulary, used confidently in both present and past tenses to describe a variety of avoidance strategies in everyday life.

Moving into the B1 level, the use of 'evitar' becomes more nuanced and grammatically complex. Learners are introduced to the subjunctive mood, and 'evitar' is a key trigger verb for it. They learn the structure 'evitar que + subjunctive', used when the subject avoiding the action is different from the subject performing the action. For example, 'El profesor evita que los estudiantes copien' (The teacher prevents the students from copying). This requires a solid grasp of present subjunctive conjugations. Additionally, B1 learners encounter 'evitar' in more abstract and professional contexts, such as discussing social issues, workplace dynamics, or environmental protection. They learn to differentiate 'evitar' from synonyms like 'prevenir' and 'eludir', understanding the subtle differences in connotation. The reflexive form 'evitarse' (to save oneself from) is also introduced, adding another layer of meaning. For instance, 'Me evité un viaje largo' (I saved myself a long trip). Practice involves writing short essays on how to avoid certain problems, participating in debates where they must propose solutions to avoid negative outcomes, and reading authentic texts like news articles where 'evitar' is used in complex sentences. Mastery at B1 means using 'evitar' flexibly across various tenses and moods to express sophisticated ideas of prevention.

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At the B2 level, learners are expected to use 'evitar' with a high degree of fluency and accuracy, integrating it seamlessly into complex discourse. The focus shifts from learning the basic mechanics to mastering the subtleties of register and context. B2 students use 'evitar' effortlessly with the subjunctive in various tenses, including the past subjunctive (e.g., 'Quería evitar que salieran', I wanted to prevent them from leaving). They encounter and produce 'evitar' in formal writing, such as essays, reports, and formal emails, where it is used to discuss risk mitigation, policy implementation, and strategic planning. The vocabulary surrounding 'evitar' becomes richer, involving collocations like 'evitar a toda costa' (to avoid at all costs) or 'evitar un conflicto diplomático' (to avoid a diplomatic conflict). Learners are also expected to recognize and use idiomatic expressions related to avoidance. Listening comprehension exercises involve fast-paced native speech where 'evitar' might be embedded in complex, multi-clause sentences. Speaking practice requires students to spontaneously formulate arguments on how to avoid societal problems, demonstrating a deep understanding of the verb's pragmatic function. At this stage, errors with prepositions or the infinitive rule should be virtually non-existent, and the use of 'evitar' should sound natural and native-like.

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In the C1 level, 'evitar' is treated as a fully integrated tool for advanced communication. Learners manipulate the verb in highly abstract, academic, and professional contexts. They are comfortable with passive constructions involving 'evitar', such as 'Se debe evitar el uso de...' (The use of... must be avoided), which are common in formal reports and academic papers. C1 students understand the subtle rhetorical effects of choosing 'evitar' over its synonyms in specific contexts to convey precise shades of meaning, such as diplomacy, evasion, or legal circumvention. They can analyze texts where 'evitar' is used to subtly shift blame or describe complex psychological defense mechanisms. The focus is on stylistic variation and precision. Learners might discuss how a politician 'evitó pronunciarse' (avoided making a statement) or how a company 'evitó la bancarrota' (avoided bankruptcy) through complex financial maneuvering. They are also adept at using 'evitar' in hypothetical and counterfactual statements using conditional and pluperfect subjunctive structures (e.g., 'Si hubiéramos actuado antes, habríamos evitado la crisis'). Mastery at C1 means that 'evitar' is not just a vocabulary word, but a conceptual tool used to navigate and articulate complex scenarios with sophistication and exactitude.

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At the C2 level, the highest level of proficiency, the use of 'evitar' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. Learners possess a complete and intuitive command of the verb in all its forms, nuances, and idiomatic usages. They can employ 'evitar' in literary analysis, dissecting how an author uses the concept of avoidance to develop character or theme. In professional and academic settings, they use it to articulate highly complex strategies, legal arguments, or scientific hypotheses regarding prevention and risk. C2 users are acutely aware of the sociolinguistic implications of 'evitar', understanding when its use might sound overly formal, evasive, or perfectly appropriate for the given register. They can effortlessly play with the word in rhetorical devices, humor, or sarcasm. The focus at this level is on absolute precision and the ability to use 'evitar' to express the finest shades of meaning in any conceivable context, from a casual joke about avoiding chores to a dense philosophical treatise on avoiding existential dread. They command the full range of collocations, synonyms, and related syntactic structures, using them spontaneously and flawlessly in both spoken and written Spanish.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

evitar en 30 segundos

Means 'to avoid' or 'to prevent'.
Followed by an infinitive, not a gerund.
Regular -ar verb conjugation.
Requires personal 'a' for specific people.

The Spanish verb 'evitar' is a fundamental vocabulary word that translates directly to 'to avoid' or 'to prevent' in English. It is a regular -ar verb, making its conjugation straightforward for learners at the A2 level. Understanding how to use 'evitar' effectively allows you to express the concept of staying away from someone or something, or taking action to ensure that a specific event does not occur. This word is incredibly versatile and is used in both everyday conversations and formal contexts. When you want to say that you are trying to keep clear of a traffic jam, a difficult conversation, or a health issue, 'evitar' is the verb you need. The core meaning revolves around the idea of bypassing or circumventing an obstacle, whether physical, emotional, or abstract. For instance, you might avoid eating sugar to stay healthy, or avoid a certain street because of construction. In all these scenarios, 'evitar' perfectly captures the intention of steering clear.

Quiero evitar el tráfico de la mañana.

This example clearly shows the desire to bypass a negative situation. Furthermore, 'evitar' can be followed by a noun or an infinitive verb. When followed by a noun, it means to avoid a thing or person. When followed by an infinitive, it means to avoid doing an action.

Structure 1: Evitar + Noun: Used to indicate avoiding a specific object, person, or situation. Example: Evitar los problemas.

Ella intenta evitar a su exnovio.

It is also important to note that 'evitar' implies a conscious effort. It is not accidental. If you avoid something, you are actively making a choice to do so. This active participation is a key nuance of the word.

Structure 2: Evitar + Infinitive: Used to indicate avoiding an action. Example: Evitar comer tarde.

Debemos evitar cometer los mismos errores.

In professional settings, 'evitar' is frequently used in risk management, safety protocols, and strategic planning. You will often see it in signs or manuals, such as 'Para evitar accidentes...' (To avoid accidents...).

Context: Formal/Safety: Used in warnings and instructions to prevent harm or damage.

Use casco para evitar lesiones graves.

To truly master this word, practice combining it with different vocabulary sets you already know. Try writing sentences about avoiding bad weather, avoiding unhealthy food, or avoiding distractions while studying. The more you integrate 'evitar' into your daily Spanish practice, the more natural it will feel.

Voy a salir temprano para evitar la lluvia.

By consistently applying these structures, you will significantly enrich your expressive capabilities in Spanish, allowing you to articulate preferences, precautions, and strategies with clarity and confidence.

Using 'evitar' correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior and the types of words it typically pairs with. As a transitive verb, 'evitar' requires a direct object. This means you must avoid *something* or *someone*. You cannot simply say 'Yo evito' (I avoid) without context; the listener will immediately wonder what it is you are avoiding. The direct object can be a noun, a pronoun, or an infinitive verb. Let's break down these usages in detail to ensure you can apply them accurately in your conversations.

Siempre trato de evitar las discusiones.

When using 'evitar' with a noun, simply place the noun directly after the verb. If the noun refers to a specific person, remember to use the personal 'a'. For example, 'Evito a Juan' (I avoid Juan).

Rule: Personal 'a': When the direct object of 'evitar' is a specific person or pet, you must precede it with the preposition 'a'.

El político intentó evitar a los periodistas.

When pairing 'evitar' with another verb to express avoiding an action, the second verb must always be in the infinitive form. This is a common pattern in Spanish and is very straightforward since no prepositions are needed between the two verbs.

Rule: Infinitive pairing: Evitar + [Infinitive Verb]. Never use a conjugated verb immediately after 'evitar'.

Para dormir bien, debes evitar tomar café de noche.

Another crucial aspect of using 'evitar' is its conjugation. As a regular -ar verb, it follows the standard patterns for all tenses. In the present tense: yo evito, tú evitas, él/ella/usted evita, nosotros evitamos, vosotros evitáis, ellos/ellas/ustedes evitan. Mastering these conjugations will allow you to talk about avoiding things in the past, present, and future.

Conjugation: Preterite: Yo evité, tú evitaste, él evitó, nosotros evitamos, vosotros evitasteis, ellos evitaron.

Ayer evité el centro de la ciudad por las protestas.

Finally, 'evitar' is often used reflexively in the form 'evitarse' to mean saving oneself from something, usually trouble or effort. For example, 'Me evité un problema' means 'I saved myself a problem' or 'I avoided a problem for myself'. This reflexive usage adds a layer of nuance, emphasizing the benefit to the subject.

Si estudias ahora, te vas a evitar mucho estrés mañana.

Practice these different structures to become fully comfortable with 'evitar'.

The verb 'evitar' is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, appearing in a wide array of contexts ranging from casual daily interactions to highly formal and technical documents. Because the concept of avoidance or prevention is so central to human behavior, you will encounter this word constantly. In everyday conversation, people use 'evitar' to talk about their preferences, habits, and strategies for navigating daily life. For example, someone might explain their dietary choices by saying they avoid certain foods, or they might describe their commute by mentioning the routes they avoid to save time.

Mi médico me dijo que debo evitar la sal.

You will also hear it frequently in the context of interpersonal relationships, where people might talk about avoiding conflict, avoiding a specific person they dislike, or avoiding sensitive topics of conversation.

Context: Health & Diet: Very common in medical advice, nutritional guidelines, and fitness discussions.

Es importante evitar el sedentarismo.

Beyond casual conversation, 'evitar' is a staple in news reporting and journalism. News anchors and reporters use it to describe government actions, diplomatic efforts, and emergency responses. You might hear phrases like 'el gobierno intenta evitar una crisis' (the government is trying to avoid a crisis) or 'las medidas buscan evitar la propagación del virus' (the measures seek to prevent the spread of the virus).

Context: News & Politics: Used to describe policies, negotiations, and strategies aimed at preventing negative outcomes.

La policía intervino para evitar un enfrentamiento.

In the workplace, 'evitar' is used in discussions about efficiency, risk management, and problem-solving. Managers might talk about avoiding delays, avoiding unnecessary costs, or avoiding mistakes. It is a key vocabulary word for professional communication.

Context: Business & Workplace: Essential for discussing risk mitigation, quality control, and operational efficiency.

Revisamos el documento dos veces para evitar errores tipográficos.

Finally, you will see 'evitar' in written instructions, warning signs, and manuals. Phrases like 'Evite el contacto con los ojos' (Avoid contact with eyes) are standard on product labels. Recognizing this word in these contexts is crucial for safety and compliance.

Por favor, evite pisar el césped.

By paying attention to these various contexts, you will develop a nuanced understanding of how 'evitar' functions across different registers of the Spanish language.

While 'evitar' is a relatively straightforward verb, English speakers often make a few specific mistakes when learning to use it. The most common error stems from direct translation interference, particularly regarding prepositions. In English, we say 'to avoid doing something', using the gerund (-ing form) of the verb. In Spanish, however, 'evitar' must be followed by the infinitive, not the gerund. Saying 'evito comiendo' is incorrect; it must be 'evito comer'. This is a crucial grammatical rule that requires conscious practice to internalize.

Correcto: Quiero evitar salir tarde.

Mistake 1: Using the Gerund: Never use the -ando/-iendo form after evitar. Always use the infinitive (-ar, -er, -ir).

Incorrecto: Quiero evitar saliendo tarde.

Another frequent mistake is adding unnecessary prepositions between 'evitar' and the following verb or noun. English speakers sometimes want to say 'evitar de' or 'evitar a' (when not referring to a person). 'Evitar' connects directly to its object or the infinitive verb.

Mistake 2: Adding Prepositions: Do not use 'de', 'que' (unless changing subjects), or 'a' (unless it's the personal 'a') immediately after evitar.

Correcto: Debemos evitar el pánico.

A third area of confusion arises when learners confuse 'evitar' with 'prevenir'. While they can sometimes be synonymous, 'prevenir' often carries a stronger sense of taking advance measures against a specific future threat (like a disease or a disaster), whereas 'evitar' is more general avoidance. Using 'prevenir' when you just mean 'avoid' can sound overly formal or slightly off in casual contexts.

Mistake 3: Confusing with Prevenir: Use 'evitar' for general avoidance; reserve 'prevenir' for proactive prevention of specific risks.

Para evitar multas, paga a tiempo. (Not 'prevenir multas')

Finally, forgetting the personal 'a' when avoiding a specific person is a classic A2-level error. If you are avoiding your boss, it must be 'evito a mi jefe', not 'evito mi jefe'. This small word makes a big difference in grammatical correctness.

Hoy he logrado evitar a mi vecino hablador.

By being mindful of these common pitfalls—using the infinitive, dropping unnecessary prepositions, distinguishing it from 'prevenir', and remembering the personal 'a'—you will use 'evitar' flawlessly.

Expanding your vocabulary means understanding not just a single word, but the web of related words that surround it. 'Evitar' has several synonyms and related terms that offer different shades of meaning. Knowing these alternatives will make your Spanish more precise and expressive. The most common synonym is 'prevenir' (to prevent). As discussed in the common mistakes section, 'prevenir' implies taking proactive steps to stop something bad from happening before it starts, often used in medical or safety contexts.

La vacuna ayuda a prevenir, y por lo tanto a evitar, la enfermedad.

Synonym: Prevenir: To prevent; implies foresight and preparation against a specific threat.

Another related verb is 'eludir' (to elude, to dodge). 'Eludir' is often used when talking about avoiding responsibilities, taxes, or a direct question. It carries a slight connotation of cleverness or trickery, whereas 'evitar' is more neutral.

El político logró eludir la pregunta, logrando evitar la controversia.

'Esquivar' (to dodge, to swerve) is a physical synonym. If someone throws a ball at you and you move out of the way, you 'esquivas' the ball. While you can use 'evitar' in this context, 'esquivar' specifically describes the physical motion of dodging.

Synonym: Esquivar: To physically dodge or swerve to avoid an object or person.

Tuve que esquivar el bache para evitar dañar el coche.

For avoiding a topic of conversation, you might hear 'rehuir' (to shy away from, to avoid). This verb suggests a reluctance or fear of confronting something. It is less common than 'evitar' but useful for describing emotional avoidance.

Synonym: Rehuir: To shy away from; often used with conversations, gaze, or responsibilities due to discomfort.

Él suele rehuir mi mirada cuando quiere evitar hablar del tema.

Finally, the phrase 'mantenerse alejado de' (to stay away from) functions as a multi-word synonym for 'evitar'. It is very descriptive and often used when giving advice about physical distance from a danger or a bad influence.

Debes mantenerte alejado del fuego para evitar quemaduras.

By learning these nuances, you can choose the exact word that fits your intended meaning, elevating your Spanish from basic to intermediate and beyond.

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Verb + Infinitive constructions

The Personal 'A'

Regular -AR verb conjugation in Present and Preterite

Subjunctive triggers (Evitar que + subjunctive)

Direct Object Pronouns (lo, la, los, las con evitar)

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Ejemplos por nivel

Yo evito el azúcar.

I avoid sugar.

Present tense, first person singular. Evitar + noun.

Tú evitas la lluvia.

You avoid the rain.

Present tense, second person singular.

Él evita el tráfico.

He avoids traffic.

Present tense, third person singular.

Nosotros evitamos los problemas.

We avoid problems.

Present tense, first person plural.

Ellos evitan el sol.

They avoid the sun.

Present tense, third person plural.

Evito la carne roja.

I avoid red meat.

Subject 'yo' is omitted but implied by the verb ending.

Ella evita el frío.

She avoids the cold.

Simple sentence structure: Subject + Verb + Direct Object.

Evitamos el ruido.

We avoid noise.

Present tense 'nosotros' form.

Quiero evitar salir tarde hoy.

I want to avoid leaving late today.

Evitar + infinitive verb (salir).

Debes evitar comer mucha sal.

You must avoid eating a lot of salt.

Evitar + infinitive verb (comer).

Ayer evité a mi jefe en el pasillo.

Yesterday I avoided my boss in the hallway.

Preterite tense with the personal 'a' (a mi jefe).

Para evitar accidentes, conduce despacio.

To avoid accidents, drive slowly.

Para + evitar + noun to express purpose.

Siempre evitamos hablar de política.

We always avoid talking about politics.

Present tense with an adverb of frequency (siempre).

Ella intentó evitar la pregunta.

She tried to avoid the question.

Evitar as the second verb in a verb phrase (intentó evitar).

Evita usar el teléfono mientras conduces.

Avoid using the phone while you drive.

Imperative (command) form of evitar.

Me evité un problema grande.

I saved myself a big problem.

Reflexive use (evitarse) meaning to save oneself from something.

El médico me recomendó que evitara el estrés.

The doctor recommended that I avoid stress.

Past subjunctive (evitara) triggered by 'recomendó que'.

Haremos lo posible para evitar que la situación empeore.

We will do everything possible to prevent the situation from worsening.

Evitar que + present subjunctive (empeore).

Lograron evitar la huelga mediante negociaciones.

They managed to avoid the strike through negotiations.

Use of 'mediante' (through/by means of) with the noun phrase.

Es fundamental evitar cualquier tipo de discriminación.

It is fundamental to avoid any type of discrimination.

Impersonal expression 'Es fundamental' + infinitive.

Se fue temprano para evitar encontrarse con ella.

He left early to avoid running into her.

Evitar + reflexive infinitive (encontrarse).

El gobierno tomó medidas para evitar la inflación.

The government took measures to avoid inflation.

Common collocation: 'tomar medidas para evitar'.

Evitando el centro, llegaremos más rápido.

By avoiding downtown, we will arrive faster.

Gerund form (evitando) used to indicate method or means.

No pudimos evitar reírnos de la broma.

We couldn't help but laugh at the joke.

Idiomatic usage: 'no poder evitar' + infinitive (can't help but do something).

La empresa implementó un nuevo protocolo para evitar fugas de información.

The company implemented a new protocol to prevent information leaks.

Formal business context vocabulary.

A pesar de sus esfuerzos, no logró evitar que el rumor se propagara.

Despite his efforts, he failed to prevent the rumor from spreading.

Complex sentence with 'a pesar de' and past subjunctive (se propagara).

Es imperativo que evitemos tomar decisiones precipitadas.

It is imperative that we avoid making hasty decisions.

Trigger phrase 'Es imperativo que' + present subjunctive (evitemos).

El abogado aconsejó a su cliente que evitara hacer declaraciones públicas.

The lawyer advised his client to avoid making public statements.

Reported speech triggering past subjunctive.

Si hubieras salido antes, habrías evitado el atasco.

If you had left earlier, you would have avoided the traffic jam.

Third conditional sentence using pluperfect and conditional perfect.

Se deben evitar los eufemismos al dar malas noticias.

Euphemisms should be avoided when giving bad news.

Passive 'se' construction (Se deben evitar).

Su actitud evasiva demostraba que quería evitar el tema a toda costa.

His evasive attitude showed that he wanted to avoid the topic at all costs.

Use of the idiom 'a toda costa' (at all costs).

La estructura fue diseñada para evitar el colapso durante un terremoto.

The structure was designed to prevent collapse during an earthquake.

Technical/engineering context.

La diplomacia preventiva busca evitar el estallido de conflictos armados.

Preventive diplomacy seeks to avoid the outbreak of armed conflicts.

Advanced academic/political vocabulary.

El autor utiliza la ironía para evitar caer en el sentimentalismo barato.

The author uses irony to avoid falling into cheap sentimentalism.

Literary analysis context.

Resulta ineludible abordar el problema; ya no podemos seguir evitándolo.

It is unavoidable to address the problem; we can no longer keep avoiding it.

Use of 'seguir' + gerund (evitándolo) with an attached pronoun.

Las cláusulas del contrato fueron redactadas meticulosamente para evitar ambigüedades legales.

The contract clauses were meticulously drafted to avoid legal ambiguities.

Formal legal register.

Evitó pronunciarse sobre la polémica, escudándose en su falta de información.

He avoided making a statement on the controversy, shielding himself behind his lack of information.

Advanced phrasing 'Evitó pronunciarse' and use of gerund 'escudándose'.

La terapia cognitivo-conductual ayuda a los pacientes a evitar patrones de pensamiento destructivos.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps patients avoid destructive thought patterns.

Psychological/medical context.

De haber sabido las consecuencias, habría evitado involucrarme en ese negocio.

Had I known the consequences, I would have avoided getting involved in that business.

Advanced conditional structure 'De haber sabido'.

La política fiscal se ajustó con el fin de evitar un sobrecalentamiento de la economía.

Fiscal policy was adjusted in order to avoid an overheating of the economy.

Economic terminology and 'con el fin de' + infinitive.

El virtuosismo del pianista le permitió evitar las trampas técnicas de la partitura con aparente facilidad.

The pianist's virtuosity allowed him to avoid the technical traps of the score with apparent ease.

Highly descriptive, nuanced vocabulary.

Su discurso estuvo plagado de circunloquios, diseñados ex profeso para evitar comprometerse con una postura clara.

His speech was riddled with circumlocutions, expressly designed to avoid committing to a clear stance.

Use of Latin phrase 'ex profeso' and advanced vocabulary 'circunloquios'.

La novela explora cómo los personajes construyen elaboradas fachadas para evitar enfrentarse a sus traumas subyacentes.

The novel explores how the characters construct elaborate facades to avoid facing their underlying traumas.

Literary critique register.

En el ámbito de la bioética, es crucial establecer marcos regulatorios que eviten la mercantilización del cuerpo humano.

In the realm of bioethics, it is crucial to establish regulatory frameworks that prevent the commodification of the human body.

Highly specialized academic discourse; subjunctive 'eviten'.

El magistrado argumentó que la ley no debe interpretarse de manera que se evite su espíritu original.

The magistrate argued that the law must not be interpreted in a way that avoids its original spirit.

Legal phrasing 'de manera que' + subjunctive.

La maniobra financiera, aunque legal, bordeaba la ética al buscar evitar el pago de impuestos de forma agresiva.

The financial maneuver, although legal, bordered on the unethical by seeking to aggressively avoid paying taxes.

Complex sentence structure discussing ethics and finance.

Es una falacia pensar que, ignorando el problema, se evitarán sus ramificaciones a largo plazo.

It is a fallacy to think that by ignoring the problem, its long-term ramifications will be avoided.

Use of passive reflexive 'se evitarán' in a philosophical context.

El diseño arquitectónico logra evitar la monotonía visual mediante la asimetría calculada de sus volúmenes.

The architectural design manages to avoid visual monotony through the calculated asymmetry of its volumes.

Aesthetic and architectural vocabulary.

Colocaciones comunes

evitar un problema

evitar el contacto

evitar a toda costa

evitar riesgos

evitar accidentes

intentar evitar

lograr evitar

para evitar

evitar daños

evitar la tentación

Frases Comunes

no poder evitar

evitar que

a fin de evitar

con el objetivo de evitar

tratar de evitar

es mejor evitar

evitar por completo

evitar en lo posible

evitar el tema

evitar la mirada

Se confunde a menudo con

evitar vs prevenir

evitar vs ignorar

evitar vs escapar

Modismos y expresiones

"no poder evitarlo (can't help it)"

"evitar el bulto (to dodge responsibility)"

"evitar roces (to avoid friction/conflict)"

"curarse en salud (to prevent/avoid trouble beforehand)"

"escurrir el bulto (to shirk/avoid a task)"

"dar un rodeo (to avoid getting to the point)"

"irse por las ramas (to beat around the bush/avoid the main topic)"

"mirar para otro lado (to look the other way/avoid seeing)"

"hacer la vista gorda (to turn a blind eye/avoid noticing)"

"pasar de largo (to pass by/avoid stopping)"

Fácil de confundir

evitar vs

Patrones de oraciones

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Cómo usarlo

note

While 'evitar' is the most common translation for 'avoid', remember that in English we 'avoid a place' by not going there, which translates perfectly to 'evitar un lugar'. However, if you mean 'escape from' a place you are already in, use 'escapar' or 'huir'.

Errores comunes

Using the gerund instead of the infinitive (e.g., saying 'evito comiendo' instead of 'evito comer').
Forgetting the personal 'a' when avoiding a specific person (e.g., saying 'evito mi hermano' instead of 'evito a mi hermano').
Adding unnecessary prepositions like 'de' after evitar (e.g., saying 'evitar de salir' instead of 'evitar salir').
Confusing 'evitar' with 'prevenir' in contexts where proactive prevention is meant.
Failing to use the subjunctive after 'evitar que' when there is a change of subject.

Consejos

Always use the Infinitive

When combining 'evitar' with another action, always use the infinitive form of the second verb. Never use the gerund. Think 'avoid to do' instead of 'avoid doing' to help you remember.

The Personal 'A'

Don't forget the personal 'a' when avoiding a specific person. 'Evito a mi jefe' is correct. 'Evito mi jefe' is incorrect. This is a small detail that makes your Spanish sound much more natural.

Evitar vs. Prevenir

Use 'evitar' for everyday situations where you are just staying away from something. Reserve 'prevenir' for situations where you are taking active steps to stop a future disaster or illness.

No puedo evitarlo

Memorize the phrase 'No puedo evitarlo'. It's the perfect translation for the English expression 'I can't help it'. It's very common in daily conversation.

Para evitar...

Use the phrase 'Para evitar...' (In order to avoid...) at the beginning of sentences in formal writing or when giving instructions. It sounds very professional.

Listen for the Subjunctive

When listening to native speakers, notice how they use the subjunctive after 'evitar que'. This will help you internalize this advanced grammar rule naturally.

Pronunciation of V

Remember to pronounce the 'v' in 'evitar' as a soft 'b'. Do not bite your lower lip like you do for the English 'v'. This will improve your accent.

Workplace Vocabulary

'Evitar' is a great word to use in job interviews or professional settings to show you are proactive. Talk about how you 'evitar problemas' or 'evitar errores'.

Using Evitarse

Try using the reflexive form 'evitarse' to sound more advanced. 'Te vas a evitar un problema' (You are going to save yourself a problem) is a great phrase to give advice.

Expand your vocabulary

Once you master 'evitar', start incorporating its synonyms like 'esquivar' (for physical dodging) or 'eludir' (for avoiding responsibilities) to make your speech richer.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine you EVict a TARt from your diet because you want to AVOID sugar. EVI-TAR = to avoid.

Origen de la palabra

From Latin 'evitare', meaning 'to shun' or 'to avoid'.

Contexto cultural

In Spain, people might be more direct, so 'evitar' is often used in practical contexts like avoiding traffic ('evitar el atasco').

In many Latin American countries, 'evitar' is frequently used in the context of social grace, such as avoiding saying 'no' directly to avoid hurting feelings.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"¿Qué tipo de comida intentas evitar?"

"¿Cómo evitas el estrés en el trabajo?"

"¿Hay alguna calle que evitas cuando conduces?"

"¿Qué haces para evitar resfriarte en invierno?"

"¿Alguna vez has tenido que evitar a alguien a propósito?"

Temas para diario

Escribe sobre una situación en la que lograste evitar un gran problema.

¿Cuáles son tres cosas que evitas hacer los fines de semana y por qué?

Describe tu rutina para evitar distracciones mientras estudias.

Piensa en un error del pasado. ¿Cómo podrías haberlo evitado?

¿Crees que es saludable evitar los conflictos siempre? Explica tu opinión.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, this is a very common mistake for English speakers. In English, we say 'avoid eating', but in Spanish, you must use the infinitive: 'evitar comer'. Never use the gerund after evitar.

'Evitar' is general avoidance (staying away from something). 'Prevenir' implies taking proactive, preventative measures against a specific future threat, like a disease or an accident. You avoid (evitar) a puddle, but you prevent (prevenir) a fire.

Generally, no. You connect 'evitar' directly to the noun or infinitive verb. The only exception is the personal 'a' when the direct object is a specific person (e.g., 'Evito a mi ex').

You can use the phrase 'No lo puedo evitar' or 'No puedo evitarlo'. If you want to say 'I can't help laughing', you say 'No puedo evitar reírme'.

Yes, 'evitar' is a completely regular -ar verb in all tenses. It follows the standard conjugation rules for verbs ending in -ar, making it easy to learn and use.

Yes, 'evitarse' is used to mean saving oneself from a problem or effort. For example, 'Me evité un dolor de cabeza' means 'I saved myself a headache'.

When you use 'evitar que' (to prevent someone else from doing something), it must be followed by the subjunctive mood. For example, 'Evito que él salga' (I prevent him from leaving).

In Spanish, the 'v' is pronounced like a soft 'b', especially when it's between vowels. So 'evitar' sounds closer to 'ebitar'.

Yes, you can say 'evitar un golpe' (avoid a blow), but the verb 'esquivar' is more precise for the physical action of dodging or swerving.

Absolutely. 'Evitar' is appropriate for all registers, from casual street slang to highly formal legal or medical documents. It is a very versatile word.

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Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence saying you avoid eating sugar.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use present tense 'evito' + infinitive 'comer'.