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道Nihongo Path
避

避·avoid

On-yomi
ヒ
Kun-yomi
さ(ける)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

16 strokes, numbered in writing order. Data: KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
避けるさけるto avoid, to keep away from
避難ひなんevacuation, taking refuge
回避かいひevasion, avoidance
避暑ひしょescaping the summer heat

Example sentences

  1. 混雑する時間を避けて出かけた。

    こんざつするじかんをさけてでかけた。

    I went out avoiding the crowded hours.

  2. 地震のあと、学校へ避難した。

    じしんのあと、がっこうへひなんした。

    After the earthquake we evacuated to the school.

  3. 責任を回避してはいけない。

    せきにんをかいひしてはいけない。

    You must not dodge responsibility.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Writing 非難 (criticism, ひなん) where 避難 (evacuation, ひなん) is meant
  • Confusing 避ける (to steer clear of, deliberately) with 逃げる (to run away from something already upon you)

Memory aid

Picture it

The road radical 辶 added to 辟 — taking the road around a thing rather than through it.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 避 mean?