逃す・遁す|のがすnogasu[2]nakadaka (mid-high)

JLPT N1approx.Common
Which spelling to use
逃す逃す is the most common and standard written form, and it is the recommended choice for beginners when writing this word.
遁す遁す is a rarely used kanji-and-kana variant of 逃す; you may encounter it, but choose 逃す instead.
Definitions
  1. godan verb, transitive verbto miss (e.g. a chance); to lose; to let get away
    この好機こうきを逃のがすな。↗
    Don't let this chance slip by.
  2. godan verb, transitive verbto set free; to let go
  3. godan verb, auxiliary verbto fail to ...after the -masu stem of a verb
Conjugation
Dictionary form逃す(のがす)
Polite (masu)逃します(のがします)
Negative (nai)逃さない(のがさない)
polite (masen)逃しません(のがしません)
classical zu / nu逃さず・逃さぬ(のがさず・のがさぬ)
Past (ta)逃した(のがした)
polite (mashita)逃しました(のがしました)
Past negative (nakatta)逃さなかった(のがさなかった)
polite (masen deshita)逃しませんでした(のがしませんでした)
Te form逃して(のがして)
Potential逃せる(のがせる)
Passive逃される(のがされる)
Causative逃させる(のがさせる)
Causative passive逃させられる(のがさせられる)
Conditional (ba)逃せば(のがせば)
tara逃したら(のがしたら)
Volitional逃そう(のがそう)
polite (mashou)逃しましょう(のがしましょう)
Imperative逃せ(のがせ)

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Transitive / intransitive pair
transitive逃すのがす⇄intransitive逃れるのがれる
チャンスを逃のがす
逃れる is intransitive and, with から, emphasizes escaping or getting away from a threat (危険から逃れる); 逃す is transitive and, with を, emphasizes letting something slip or missing an opportunity (チャンスを逃す).

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym逸するいっするWrittenWritten/formal prose for missing or overlooking a chance, as in 「好機を逸する」; 「逃す」 is more colloquial and also covers letting things get away.
  • Synonym失ううしなうNeutralFor losing something you already have, or losing a loved one; 「逃す」 focuses on failing to catch something or missing a chance.
  • Antonym捕まえるつかまえるNeutralThe opposite of 「逃す」 on the catch-vs-miss axis: it means to catch or seize.
  • Antonym捉えるとらえるNeutralAlso the opposite of 「逃す」 in catching versus missing; it means to capture or grasp, including meaning and ideas.

Use 「逃す」 for missing a chance, failing to catch something, or letting it get away, as in 「チャンスを逃す」. For missing a chance in written prose, 「逸する」 fits; use 「失う」 for losing something you already have. Antonyms: 「捕まえる」, 「捉える」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. 逃にがす。
  2. とりそこなう。うしなう。逸いっする。
  3. (動詞どうしの連用形れんようけいに付ついて)~し損そこなう。
  4. (動詞どうしの連用形れんようけいに付ついて)あえて~しない。
Kanji in this word
See also

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android