Meaning and Usage
The verb 免れる (まぬがれる) means "to escape from," "to avoid," or "to be exempted from" something undesirable such as responsibility, danger, or obligation. It is often used in formal or written contexts, especially in news reports or official statements.
Common Contexts
- Escaping responsibility or blame: 免れる is used when someone cannot avoid being held accountable.
- Avoiding harm or danger: It describes successfully avoiding damage or injury.
- Being exempted from duties or requirements: For example, being excused from part of an exam or a task.
Collocations and Patterns
- 責任を免れる (せきにんをまぬがれる): to escape responsibility
- 危険を免れる (きけんをまぬがれる): to avoid danger
- 罰を免れる (ばつをまぬがれる): to escape punishment
- 義務を免れる (ぎむをまぬがれる): to be exempted from duty
These collocations highlight the formal tone and the serious nature of what is being avoided or escaped.
Nuances and Tips
- 免れる often implies a situation where escape or exemption is difficult or not guaranteed, emphasizing relief or luck.
- It is more formal and less common in casual conversation compared to synonyms like 避ける or 逃げる.
- Learners should not confuse 免れる with 逃れる (のがれる), which is similar but slightly more focused on physical escape.
Using 免れる correctly will help you express nuanced ideas about avoiding negative outcomes in formal Japanese.