In 15 Seconds
- To physically dodge an object or person.
- To mentally avoid an awkward or difficult situation.
- A neutral term used in both daily life and writing.
Meaning
It means to physically get out of the way of something or to mentally avoid a situation or person you don't want to deal with.
Key Examples
3 of 6Walking in the city
他在街上躲避雨。
He is avoiding the rain on the street.
Seeing an annoying person
我看见了讨厌的人，赶紧躲避。
I saw someone annoying and quickly hid/avoided them.
Professional meeting
我们不能躲避这个问题。
We cannot avoid this problem.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects a traditional Chinese philosophy of 'yielding' to force rather than clashing head-on. It is often linked to the idea of 'wise preservation,' where avoiding a conflict is seen as a strategic victory rather than a defeat.
The 'Hidden' Meaning
If someone says they are `躲避`ing you, it's a strong hint they need space. Don't chase them!
Don't confuse with 逃跑
`逃跑` means to run away from a place (like a prison). `躲避` is just avoiding a specific thing.
In 15 Seconds
- To physically dodge an object or person.
- To mentally avoid an awkward or difficult situation.
- A neutral term used in both daily life and writing.
What It Means
躲避 is your go-to word for staying out of trouble. It describes the act of moving away from something coming at you. This could be a literal soccer ball or a figurative awkward conversation. It combines 'hiding' and 'avoiding' into one sleek action. Think of it as your personal 'escape' button.
How To Use It
You use it when there is a clear 'threat' or 'nuisance.' You can 躲避 the rain by running under an awning. You can 躲避 an ex-boyfriend by ducking into a coffee shop. It usually takes an object. You are always dodging *something*. It sounds natural in both physical and social contexts.
When To Use It
Use it when you are being proactive about safety or comfort. Use it at work when you see a boss who gives too many tasks. Use it in sports when a ball is flying at your face. It is perfect for texting friends about why you are late. "I was 躲避ing the heavy traffic!"
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for simple 'disliking.' If you just don't like apples, you don't 躲避 them. You 不喜欢 them. Also, don't use it for 'escaping' from a prison or a cage. That is usually 逃跑. 躲避 is more about the act of not getting hit or seen. It is about staying out of the line of fire.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, 'saving face' is huge. Sometimes, 躲避 is a polite way to handle conflict. Instead of a loud argument, someone might 躲避 the person for a few days. It is a soft way to let things cool down. It is not always seen as 'cowardly.' Sometimes it is seen as being smart and keeping the peace.
Common Variations
You might hear 躲闪 for quick physical movements, like a ninja. 回避 is a more formal version used in legal or official settings. If you are just playing hide and seek, you just use 躲. But 躲避 is the most versatile version for your daily life. It covers both the 'where' and the 'why.'
Usage Notes
The phrase is very safe to use. It doesn't have hidden offensive meanings. It works best when followed by a noun representing the thing being avoided.
The 'Hidden' Meaning
If someone says they are `躲避`ing you, it's a strong hint they need space. Don't chase them!
Don't confuse with 逃跑
`逃跑` means to run away from a place (like a prison). `躲避` is just avoiding a specific thing.
Smart Dodging
In Chinese business, `躲避`ing a direct 'no' is common. If they avoid the topic, it might mean 'no'.
Examples
6他在街上躲避雨。
He is avoiding the rain on the street.
A very common physical use of the word.
我看见了讨厌的人，赶紧躲避。
I saw someone annoying and quickly hid/avoided them.
Used for social avoidance.
我们不能躲避这个问题。
We cannot avoid this problem.
Used figuratively for tackling challenges.
我躲避了那个无聊的聚会。
I dodged that boring party.
Informal way to say you skipped something.
你为什么要躲避我的目光？
Why are you avoiding my gaze?
Focuses on the emotional distance between people.
司机为了躲避小猫，撞到了树。
The driver hit a tree to avoid the kitten.
Describes a sudden physical reaction.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to describe avoiding a difficult question.
他一直在___我的问题。
You 'dodge' questions, you don't 'dance' or 'eat' them in this context!
Complete the sentence about the weather.
外面下大雨了，快去___雨！
When it rains, you seek shelter to 'avoid' the water.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Avoiding
Short, very informal, mostly physical.
躲起来 (Hide yourself)
Neutral, standard for most situations.
躲避困难 (Avoid difficulties)
Formal, used in law or serious debates.
回避冲突 (Evade conflict)
When to use 躲避
Bad Weather
躲避大雪
Social Awkwardness
躲避前任
Work Stress
躲避责任
Physical Danger
躲避车辆
Practice Bank
2 exercises他一直在___我的问题。
You 'dodge' questions, you don't 'dance' or 'eat' them in this context!
外面下大雨了，快去___雨！
When it rains, you seek shelter to 'avoid' the water.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! If you are avoiding your landlord because you're late on rent, you can say 躲避房东.
It depends. Avoiding rain is smart; 躲避责任 (avoiding responsibility) is seen as negative.
躲 is just 'to hide.' 躲避 is 'to hide in order to avoid something.' 躲避 sounds more complete.
Absolutely. You can 躲避风险 (avoid risks) or 躲避困难 (avoid difficulties).
Yes, it is a neutral word that works well in essays and news reports.
You can say 躲避球. In fact, the game 'Dodgeball' is called 躲避球 in Chinese!
Usually, for taxes, we use a specific term 偷税漏税, but 躲避 can be used generally for avoiding obligations.
Not necessarily. It can imply caution, like 躲避危险 (avoiding danger).
People often use 闪 (flash/dodge) as a slangier, faster version of this action.
Yes, 躲避问题 is a very common way to say someone is being evasive.
Related Phrases
逃避
To escape/evade (more psychological)
回避
To withdraw/avoid (more formal)
躲藏
To hide oneself
闪躲
To dodge quickly (physical)
