escapar
/es-kah-PAHR/
escape
The rabbit manages to escape (escapar) from confinement.
escapar(Verb)
escape
?fleeing danger or confinement
,flee
?running away rapidly
break out
?leaving a locked place
,get away
?succeeding in leaving
📝 In Action
El ladrón logró escapar de la policía después de la persecución.
A2The thief managed to escape from the police after the chase.
Necesitamos escapar de la rutina por un fin de semana.
B1We need to get away from the routine for a weekend.
El gato siempre escapa por la ventana abierta.
A1The cat always escapes through the open window.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'de' for Origin
When saying what place or thing you escape from, always use the preposition 'de': 'escapar de la casa' (to escape from the house).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Preposition
Mistake: "Quiero escapar el trabajo."
Correction: Quiero escapar del trabajo. (The 'de' is essential when naming the source of the escape.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Action
Use 'escapar' when the main focus is the action of breaking free or fleeing, rather than just leaving casually.
The important key seemed to slip one's mind (escapar).
escapar(Verb)
slip one's mind
?forgetting something unintentionally
,miss
?missing an opportunity or object
get away
?a chance/opportunity passing
,go unnoticed
?not being perceived
📝 In Action
La oportunidad de viajar se me escapó por no comprar los billetes a tiempo.
B1The opportunity to travel slipped away because I didn't buy the tickets on time.
¿Qué dijiste? Se me escapó la palabra.
B2What did you say? I missed that word.
Se nos escapó el nombre del actor.
B1The actor's name slipped our mind (We forgot the actor's name).
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Escaparse' Reflexively
To express that you accidentally forgot or missed something, use the reflexive form 'escaparse' (like 'olvidarse'). You say se me escapó (it escaped to me), not yo escapé.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Indirect Object
Mistake: "La oportunidad escapó."
Correction: La oportunidad se me escapó. (When meaning 'slipped away from me,' you must use the reflexive pronoun 'se' and the indirect object pronoun 'me.')
⭐ Usage Tips
Accidental Forgetting
This sense is primarily used to describe small, accidental occurrences, like forgetting a date, missing a minor detail, or having a sound or sigh come out unintentionally.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: escapar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'escapar' in the figurative sense of 'missing something'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use 'escapar' versus 'huir'?
'Escapar' generally emphasizes the *success* of getting away (breaking free), while 'huir' emphasizes the *act* of running away or fleeing, often from fear or danger. 'Escapar' can also be used figuratively for minor things (like forgetting a word), but 'huir' is strictly for physical flight.