Meaning and Usage
"逃走" (とうそう) is a formal noun and verbal noun meaning "escape," "flight," or "desertion." It often refers to someone fleeing from a dangerous or controlled situation, such as a criminal escaping police or a soldier deserting the battlefield.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "逃走" in news reports, police or military contexts, and formal writing. It is less common in casual conversation where simpler verbs like "逃げる" might be used.
Collocations and Patterns
- 逃走する: to escape or flee (used as a verb phrase)
- 逃走中: "on the run" or "while escaping" (used to describe someone currently fleeing)
- 逃走経路: escape route
Register and Nuance
"逃走" carries a serious and somewhat formal tone. It implies a deliberate and often urgent act of fleeing. It is not used lightly or for casual escapes.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "逃走" with the more general "逃げる" (to run away). "逃走" is more formal and often used in official or serious contexts, while "逃げる" is more general and common in everyday speech.