evitar
“evitar” means “to avoid” in Spanish (to keep away from (people, things, or situations)).
to avoid
Also: to prevent, to evade
📝 In Action
Ella siempre intenta evitar el tráfico de la mañana.
A2She always tries to avoid the morning traffic.
Debemos evitar comer demasiada comida rápida.
B1We should avoid eating too much fast food.
El doctor nos dijo que evitáramos el estrés para estar saludables.
B2The doctor told us to prevent stress in order to be healthy.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: evitar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'evitar' when followed by another action?
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👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *evitare*, which is a combination of *e-* (meaning 'out, away from') and *vitare* (meaning 'to shun or dodge'). It has retained its meaning of dodging or staying away from something.
First recorded: Around the 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'evitar' ever require the special verb form (subjunctive)?
Generally, no, not when it refers to your own actions. Since 'evitar' means 'to prevent/avoid,' you are stating a fact about what you or someone else avoids (e.g., 'Evito los dulces' - I avoid sweets). It acts like a standard indicative verb.
Is 'evitar' the same as 'prevenir'?
They are similar! 'Evitar' is more about keeping away from something (an action or object). 'Prevenir' often focuses more specifically on planning or taking steps beforehand to make sure something doesn't happen (like a doctor might 'prevenir' an illness).