How to Say "getaway" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “getaway” is “escape” — use 'escape' when referring to the act of getting away from a place of confinement, like a prison, or a general plan to leave quickly and secretly.
escape
es-KAH-pehesˈka.pe
Examples
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'.
fuga
FOO-gahˈfu.ɣa
Examples
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
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.
retiro
reh-TEE-rohreˈtiɾo
Examples
Pasamos el fin de semana en un retiro de meditación.
We spent the weekend at a meditation retreat.
El equipo directivo necesita un retiro para planificar el próximo año.
The management team needs a retreat to plan next year.
Escape vs. Retreat
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.