脱獄

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 脱獄 (だつごく) is a noun and suru-verb meaning an unlawful escape from prison.
• Basic usage: 脱獄する describes the act, while compounds such as 脱獄計画 and 脱獄事件 refer to a prison-break plan or incident.
  • 小説の囚人は古い地下道から脱獄した。 — The prisoner in the novel escaped through an old underground passage.
  • 映画は失敗に終わる脱獄計画を描いている。 — The film portrays a failed prison-break plan.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Prison break versus general escape
  • 脱出 can describe getting out of many dangerous places, while 脱獄 specifically presupposes prison and confinement.