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How to Say "to bypass" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forto bypassis evadiruse 'evadir' when you are trying to avoid or dodge something specific, like a question, responsibility, or an obstacle, often implying a deliberate attempt to escape..

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evadir

/eh-bah-DEER//eβaˈðiɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'evadir' when you are trying to avoid or dodge something specific, like a question, responsibility, or an obstacle, often implying a deliberate attempt to escape.
A person stepping behind a large tree to hide from someone looking for them.

Examples

El político intentó evadir la pregunta sobre el presupuesto.

The politician tried to dodge the question about the budget.

Muchos ciudadanos buscan formas de evadir impuestos.

Many citizens look for ways to evade taxes.

No puedes evadir tus responsabilidades familiares.

You cannot shirk your family responsibilities.

Using 'evadir' with Objects

This verb acts directly on the thing you are avoiding. You don't need a preposition like 'of' or 'from' in most cases: 'Evadir el problema' (Evade the problem).

Evadir vs. Evitar

Mistake:Using 'evadir' for simple physical avoidance like 'I avoided the cat'.

Correction: Use 'evitar' for general avoidance and 'evadir' for dodging something that is chasing you or that you are legally required to do.

burlar

/boor-LAHR//buɾˈlaɾ/

verbB1general
Choose 'burlar' when the bypass involves outsmarting or tricking a system, security, or rules to get around them.
A small mouse cleverly slipping through a tiny gap in a tall wooden fence.

Examples

El ladrón logró burlar la seguridad del museo.

The thief managed to evade the museum's security.

Intentó burlar el control de velocidad en la carretera.

He tried to bypass the speed control on the highway.

Burlar el destino no es tan fácil como parece.

Outwitting destiny is not as easy as it seems.

Using Burlar with Objects

When you use this word to mean 'evade' or 'dodge,' you usually follow it directly with the thing or person you are avoiding (e.g., 'burlar la seguridad').

Action vs. State

This word describes the action of successfully getting past something, not just the intention of trying.

Confusing with Evitar

Mistake:Usé el puente para burlar el tráfico.

Correction: Usé el puente para evitar el tráfico. Use 'evitar' for simply avoiding something; use 'burlar' when you are cleverly outsmarting a system or barrier.

rodear

roh-deh-ahr/roðeˈaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'rodear' when you physically go around an object, place, or obstacle in your path.
A small brown rabbit hopping along a curved path that goes around a large gray boulder.

Examples

Tuvimos que rodear el lago porque el camino estaba cortado.

We had to go around the lake because the path was blocked.

Para evitar el tráfico, rodeamos la ciudad por la autopista.

To avoid traffic, we bypassed the city via the highway.

Action vs. Position

Use this meaning when you are physically moving along the edge of something to get to the other side.

eludir

/eh-loo-DEER//eluˈðiɾ/

verbB2general
Employ 'eludir' when you are skillfully finding a way around a rule, obligation, or difficult situation, often implying cleverness or subtlety.
A person stepping aside to let a large, rolling boulder pass by safely.

Examples

Intentó eludir la pregunta cambiando de tema rápidamente.

He tried to avoid the question by quickly changing the subject.

No puedes eludir tus responsabilidades para siempre.

You cannot evade your responsibilities forever.

Eludió la mirada de su madre porque se sentía culpable.

He avoided his mother's gaze because he felt guilty.

Direct Action

You don't need a preposition like 'of' or 'from' after eludir. Just put the thing you are avoiding right after the verb.

A Step Up from Evitar

While 'evitar' is the general word for 'avoid,' use 'eludir' when someone is being clever or sneaky to get out of something they should be doing.

Sounds like 'Aludir'

Mistake:Using 'eludir' when you want to say someone mentioned something.

Correction: Use 'aludir' to mention/refer to something; use 'eludir' to run away from something.

Evadir vs. Eludir vs. Burlar

Learners often confuse 'evadir,' 'eludir,' and 'burlar' when dealing with rules or questions. 'Evadir' is a general avoidance, 'burlar' implies outsmarting a system, and 'eludir' suggests a more subtle or clever way of getting around something. Think about *how* you are bypassing – with force, cleverness, or simple avoidance.

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