avoid

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is ひ, and the kun reading is さける. It has 16 strokes and relates to avoiding an object or crowd, or evacuating from danger to safety.
• Basic usage: 避ける is read さける, and 避難 is read ひなん.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 避ける / 避難
  • 避ける means avoid and is read さける. It describes intentionally avoiding a crowd, puddle, or other unwanted target.
  • 混雑を避けるため朝早く出発しました。 means “We left early in the morning to avoid the crowds.”
  • 避難 means evacuation or refuge and is read ひなん. It refers to evacuating to a safe place in response to danger or an alarm.
  • 警報を聞き、住民は高台へ避難した。 means “After hearing the alarm, residents evacuated to higher ground.”