escape

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is とう, and the kun readings are にげる, にがす, のがす, のがれる. It has 9 strokes and relates to escaping danger or a problem, or letting a target or opportunity get away.
• Basic usage: 逃げる is read にげる, and 逃す is read のがす.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 逃げる / 逃す
  • 逃げる means escape or avoid and is read にげる. It describes a person or animal escaping from a place, or avoiding a problem.
  • 開いた門から馬が逃げた。 means “The horse escaped through the open gate.”
  • 逃す means miss or let escape and is read のがす. It describes failing to catch a target or missing an important opportunity.
  • 大事な機会を逃すまいと、締め切りより早く応募した。 means “I applied before the deadline so I would not miss an important opportunity.”