How to Say "escape" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “escape” is “escapar” — use 'escapar' when referring to the general action of getting away from confinement, danger, or a difficult situation.
escapar
es-kah-PAHRes.kaˈpaɾ
Examples
El gato logró escapar de la casa.
The cat managed to escape from the house.
El ladrón logró escapar de la policía después de la persecución.
The thief managed to escape from the police after the chase.
Necesitamos escapar de la rutina por un fin de semana.
We need to get away from the routine for a weekend.
El gato siempre escapa por la ventana abierta.
The cat always escapes through the open window.
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).
Missing the Preposition
Mistake: “Quiero escapar el trabajo.”
Correction: Quiero escapar del trabajo. (The 'de' is essential when naming the source of the escape.)
fuga
FOO-gahˈfu.ɣa
Examples
La policía detuvo la fuga de los reclusos.
The police stopped the inmates' escape.
La policía frustró la fuga de los ladrones por el tejado.
The police thwarted the thieves' escape across the roof.
El perro aprovechó la puerta abierta para darse a la fuga.
The dog took advantage of the open door to make its getaway (flee).
Hubo una fuga masiva de presos de la cárcel anoche.
There was a massive breakout of prisoners from the jail last night.
Using 'Darse a la Fuga'
This fixed phrase means 'to run away quickly.' It uses the verb 'dar' (to give) in a reflexive way, showing the action is focused on the subject.
Confusing 'Fuga' and 'Escapada'
Mistake: “Using 'fuga' for a short, planned trip or vacation.”
Correction: Use 'escapada' for a weekend trip or brief vacation. 'Fuga' implies running away from danger or confinement.
huida
wee-DAHuˈiða
Examples
La huida del sospechoso fue grabada por las cámaras.
The suspect's escape was recorded by the cameras.
Su huida fue captada por las cámaras de seguridad.
Their escape was captured by the security cameras.
El ladrón planeó una huida rápida por la puerta trasera.
The thief planned a quick getaway through the back door.
La huida de la realidad a veces es necesaria para descansar.
The escape from reality is sometimes necessary to rest.
Turning an action into a thing
This word is a noun made from the verb 'huir' (to flee). It's used when you want to talk about 'the act' of running away rather than the action itself.
Connecting to the source
To say what someone is escaping from, use the word 'de' after 'huida,' like in 'la huida de la prisión' (the escape from prison).
Confusing gender
Mistake: “el huida”
Correction: la huida. Even though it starts with a soft 'h', it is always feminine.
Mixing up with air travel
Mistake: “Usar 'huida' para un avión.”
Correction: Use 'vuelo' for an airplane flight. 'Huida' only means running away or fleeing.
evasión
Examples
Se investiga la evasión de los prisioneros.
The prisoners' escape is being investigated.
escape
es-KAH-pehesˈka.pe
Examples
El plan de escape era muy arriesgado.
The escape plan was very risky.
El plan de escape del prisionero falló en el último momento.
The prisoner's escape plan failed at the last minute.
Necesito un escape de la rutina, aunque sea solo un fin de semana.
I need a break (an escape) from routine, even if it's just for a weekend.
Masculine Noun
Even though it ends in '-e,' remember that 'escape' is always masculine: 'el escape' or 'un escape'.
Verb vs. Noun Usage
Related Translations
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