Meaning and Usage
The verb そらす primarily means "to divert" or "to turn away," especially in contexts like diverting one's gaze or changing the topic of conversation. It can also mean "to bend" or "to warp" when referring to physical objects.
Common Contexts
- Diverting attention or gaze: Often used when someone avoids direct eye contact or tries to avoid answering a question.
- Changing topics: Used when shifting the subject in conversation.
- Physical bending or warping: Describes objects that are bent or warped out of shape.
Collocations and Patterns
- 質問をそらす (to dodge a question): Used when someone avoids answering directly.
- 目をそらす (to avert one's eyes): Common when someone avoids looking at something.
- 話題をそらす (to change the topic): Used to shift conversation away from a subject.
Register and Nuance
そらす is generally neutral but often appears in contexts implying avoidance or evasion, especially in social or conversational settings. It can be used in both formal and informal situations.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse そらす with そられる (passive form) or with words meaning simply "to look away" without the nuance of intentional diversion. Remember that そらす often implies a deliberate action to divert or avoid.