1. Kanji Breakdown: 逃
This kanji represents the concept of fleeing and evasion.
Meaning: To escape, to flee, to run away; to avoid.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): トウ (tou)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): に（げる） (ni(geru)), に（がす） (ni(gasu)), のが（す） (noga(su)), のが（れる） (noga(reru))
The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). It consists of two parts:
Left (辶): This is the "movement" or "walking" radical (しんにょう), representing the act of moving away.
Right (兆): This means "omen" or "sign," and it primarily provides the sound ("chou"/"tou").
The character vividly combines the ideas of "moving away (辶)" from a "sign or omen (兆)" of danger. This captures the essence of escaping—fleeing upon seeing a sign of threat.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "逃" has 9 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 9
Start with the right-side component "兆":
Then, write the left-side radical "辶":
Key Writing Tips:
Write the components from left to right, but the radical "辶" is written after the main component "兆".
The "兆" part should be compact and sit comfortably above the base of the "辶" radical.
The "辶" radical's two dots are written first, followed by the long, sweeping stroke.
The final stroke (the sweeping stroke of "辶") should be smooth and give a sense of motion.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "逃" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
逃げる (にげる, nigeru)
Meaning: To escape, to flee, to run away (intransitive verb).
Example: 泥棒は警察から逃げた。
Romaji: Dorobō wa keisatsu kara nigeta.
English: The thief escaped from the police.
逃す (のがす, nogasu)
Meaning: To let escape, to miss (a chance).
Example: チャンスを逃すな！
Romaji: Chansu o nogasu na!
English: Don't miss the chance!
逃亡 (とうぼう, tōbō)
Meaning: Flight, escape, elopement.
例文: 犯人は逃亡中だ。
Romaji: Hannin wa tōbō chū da.
English: The criminal is on the run.
逃避 (とうひ, tōhi)
Meaning: Evasion, avoidance, escape (from reality).
Example: 現実から逃避する。
Romaji: Genjitsu kara tōhi suru.
English: To escape from reality.
逃れる (のがれる, nogareru)
Meaning: To escape, to avoid, to evade (something abstract like responsibility or danger).
Example: 責任を逃れる。
Romaji: Sekinin o nogareru.
English: To shirk responsibility.
逃げ道 (にげみち, nigemichi)
Meaning: Escape route, way out.
Example: 逃げ道を確保しておく。
Romaji: Nigemichi o kakuho shite oku.
English: To secure an escape route in advance.
Summary
Kanji: 逃
Core Meaning: To Escape, To Flee, To Avoid.
Readings: On'yomi トウ (tou), Kun'yomi にげる (nigeru)
Stroke Order: 9 strokes. Remember to write the right side "兆" (omen) first, followed by the left radical "辶" (movement).
This kanji is essential for describing physical escape, avoiding situations, or missing opportunities. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this dynamic character.