Inklingo

How to Say "avoids" in Spanish

English → Spanish

evita

/eh-BEE-tah//eˈβita/

verbA2general
Use 'evita' when talking about the general action of intentionally staying away from something or someone, or preventing something from happening.
A person walking on a sidewalk, stepping carefully around a large puddle to keep their shoes dry.

Examples

Él evita comer mucha azúcar.

He avoids eating a lot of sugar.

¡Evita el centro si hay mucho tráfico!

Avoid downtown if there is a lot of traffic!

Ella siempre evita las discusiones innecesarias.

She always avoids unnecessary arguments.

One word, two jobs

Use 'evita' when saying what he/she/it does, OR when telling a friend to avoid something.

Verbs after 'evita'

When you follow 'evita' with another action, keep the second verb in its -ar, -er, or -ir form (e.g., 'evita correr').

Don't use for 'to prevent'

Mistake: “Using 'evita' when you mean someone stopped another person from doing something.”

Correction: Use 'impide' for blocking an action; 'evita' is mostly for staying away from things or making sure something doesn't happen.

huye

OO-yeh/ˈuʝe/

verbB1general
Use 'huye' when someone or something is actively running away from a situation, danger, or unpleasant experience, often in a figurative sense.
A small person running rapidly across a grassy field, looking back nervously as they flee.

Examples

El perro huye del ruido fuerte de los fuegos artificiales.

The dog runs away from the loud noise of the fireworks.

El perro **huye** del ruido fuerte de los fuegos artificiales.

The dog **runs away** from the loud noise of the fireworks.

Ella siempre **huye** de los problemas en lugar de enfrentarlos.

She always **avoids** problems instead of facing them.

¡Si ves al oso, **huye**! ¡No te quedes ahí!

If you see the bear, **flee**! Don't stay there!

Two Roles for 'Huye'

'Huye' has two main jobs: it means 'he/she/it flees' or 'you (formal) flee' in the present tense, AND it is the informal command 'Flee!' directed at a friend ('tú').

The 'Y' Irregularity

The base verb 'huir' (to flee) is irregular because it adds a 'y' when the stress falls on the stem, turning 'ui' into 'uy' (huyo, huyes, huye). This 'y' sound helps the word flow better.

Missing the Preposition 'De'

Mistake: “Huye la casa.”

Correction: **Huye de** la casa. (He flees **from** the house). The verb 'huir' almost always needs the preposition 'de' (from) to show what is being escaped.

Choosing Between 'Evita' and 'Huye'

Learners often confuse 'evita' and 'huye' by using 'huye' for simple avoidance. Remember that 'huye' implies a more active escape or fleeing, whereas 'evita' is for general steering clear or preventing.

Related Translations

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