Inklingo

How to Say "to dodge" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to dodge” is “esquivar” — use this when physically moving out of the way of something, like a punch or a falling object..

esquivar🔊A2

Use this when physically moving out of the way of something, like a punch or a falling object.

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evadir🔊B1

Choose this when someone is trying to avoid answering a question or fulfilling a responsibility, often in a slightly formal or official context.

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burlar🔊B1

Use this for physically getting past or escaping from someone or something, implying cleverness or trickery.

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torear🔊B1

This specifically refers to the act of skillfully avoiding an opponent or obstacle, most commonly seen in bullfighting but can be used metaphorically for facing challenges.

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eludir🔊B2

Employ this for avoiding something abstract, like a topic, a gaze, or a difficult situation, often with a sense of finesse or indirectness.

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escurrir🔊B2

Use this when something slips away or is avoided indirectly, often implying an escape from a duty or responsibility, similar to 'slipping out of'.

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English → Spanish

esquivar

/es-kee-BAR//eskiˈβaɾ/

verbA2general
Use this when physically moving out of the way of something, like a punch or a falling object.
A small red bird quickly flying to the side to avoid a large falling acorn.

Examples

El boxeador esquivó el golpe con mucha rapidez.

The boxer dodged the blow very quickly.

Tuve que esquivar varios charcos en el camino.

I had to dodge several puddles on the way.

Es difícil esquivar a tanta gente en el centro.

It is difficult to weave through so many people downtown.

Direct Action

This verb acts directly on the object. You don't need a preposition (like 'to' or 'from') before the thing you are dodging. Just say 'esquivar' + 'the object'.

Using 'evitar' vs 'esquivar'

Mistake: “Using 'esquivar' for things that aren't physical or sudden.”

Correction: Use 'esquivar' when there is a literal or figurative 'movement' to get out of the way. Use 'evitar' for general prevention, like avoiding a flu.

evadir

/eh-bah-DEER//eβaˈðiɾ/

verbB1general
Choose this when someone is trying to avoid answering a question or fulfilling a responsibility, often in a slightly formal or official context.
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
Use this for physically getting past or escaping from someone or something, implying cleverness or trickery.
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.

torear

/toh-reh-ahr//toɾeˈaɾ/

verbB1general
This specifically refers to the act of skillfully avoiding an opponent or obstacle, most commonly seen in bullfighting but can be used metaphorically for facing challenges.
A matador in a traditional gold-trimmed suit holding a large red cape while a bull charges past him in a sandy arena.

Examples

El joven matador toreó con mucha valentía esta tarde.

The young bullfighter fought the bull with great bravery this afternoon.

No puedes seguir toreando tus problemas para siempre.

You can't keep dodging your problems forever.

¡Deja de torearme y dime qué quieres de verdad!

Stop messing with me and tell me what you really want!

Using the 'Personal A'

When you use 'torear' to mean teasing or dodging a person, you must use 'a' before their name or the noun (e.g., 'Torear a Juan').

A Regular -AR Pattern

Good news! This verb follows the standard rules for -ar verbs, so it doesn't have any surprise stem changes.

Literal vs. Figurative

Mistake: “Using 'esquivar' for everything.”

Correction: Use 'torear' when you want to imply you are skillfully or cleverly avoiding a social situation or an annoying person.

eludir

/eh-loo-DEER//eluˈðiɾ/

verbB2general
Employ this for avoiding something abstract, like a topic, a gaze, or a difficult situation, often with a sense of finesse or indirectness.
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.

escurrir

/es-koo-reer//eskuˈriɾ/

verbB2general
Use this when something slips away or is avoided indirectly, often implying an escape from a duty or responsibility, similar to 'slipping out of'.
A small wet bar of soap sliding quickly across a smooth floor.

Examples

El jabón se me escurrió de las manos.

The soap slipped out of my hands.

Intentó escurrir el bulto para no hacer el trabajo.

He tried to dodge his responsibility to avoid doing the work.

Se escurrió por la puerta trasera sin que nadie lo viera.

He slipped out the back door without anyone seeing him.

Reflexive Use

For this meaning, the word is often used as 'escurrirse' (to slip oneself). Use the extra 'se' to show something is sliding away from you.

Escurrir vs. Resbalar

Mistake: “Me escurrí en el hielo.”

Correction: Me resbalé en el hielo. 'Resbalar' is for losing your footing; 'escurrir' is for things sliding through your hands or sneaking away.

Physical vs. Abstract Evasion

The most common mistake is using a physical dodging verb like 'esquivar' when you mean to avoid something abstract like a question or responsibility. For abstract avoidance, 'evadir' or 'eludir' are usually better choices, while 'esquivar' is typically for physical movement.

Related Translations

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