fuga
“fuga” means “escape” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
escape, flight
Also: breakout, getaway
📝 In Action
La policía frustró la fuga de los ladrones por el tejado.
B1The police thwarted the thieves' escape across the roof.
El perro aprovechó la puerta abierta para darse a la fuga.
A2The dog took advantage of the open door to make its getaway (flee).
Hubo una fuga masiva de presos de la cárcel anoche.
B2There was a massive breakout of prisoners from the jail last night.
leak, leakage
Also: short circuit
📝 In Action
Llamamos al fontanero porque había una fuga de agua en el baño.
A2We called the plumber because there was a water leak in the bathroom.
La fuga de gas era tan pequeña que apenas se podía oler.
B1The gas leak was so small it could barely be smelled.
El contador registró una fuga eléctrica en la casa.
B2The meter registered an electrical leakage in the house.
flight
Also: brain drain, capital flight
📝 In Action
El gobierno está preocupado por la fuga de capitales hacia el extranjero.
C1The government is worried about the flight of capital abroad.
La fuga de cerebros es un problema serio para la innovación tecnológica.
B2The brain drain is a serious problem for technological innovation.
fugue
📝 In Action
La fuga es la forma más compleja de contrapunto musical.
C1The fugue is the most complex form of musical counterpoint.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "fuga" in Spanish:
brain drain→breakout→capital flight→escape→flight→fugue→getaway→leak→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: fuga
Question 1 of 3
¿Cuál es el mejor sinónimo de 'fuga' cuando hablamos de un prisionero?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'fuga' comes directly from the Latin word *fuga*, which meant 'flight,' 'running away,' or 'exile.' This root explains all the modern meanings—whether it's running away from jail, or water escaping a pipe.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (c. 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'fuga' always negative?
Generally, yes. 'Fuga' implies an unplanned, rapid, or undesirable loss or departure, whether it's prisoners escaping, gas leaking, or money leaving the economy. The only neutral use is the musical term 'fuga' (fugue).
How is 'fuga' different from 'escapada'?
'Fuga' is serious and implies running away from something negative (jail, danger, containment). 'Escapada' means a 'getaway' or 'break' and is used for short, pleasant trips or vacations.