vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Evitar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to avoid", and "evadir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to evade". Learn more about the difference between "evitar" and "evadir" below.
evitar(
eh
-
bee
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to avoid
Gira aquí a la izquierda si quieres evitar el tráfico.Turn left here if you want to avoid the traffic.
2. (to avert)
a. to prevent
Lávate las manos con frecuencia para evitar resfriarte.Wash your hands frequently to prevent colds.
b. to avoid
El accidente se habría evitado si las luces hubieran estado encendidas.The accident would have been avoided if the lights had been on.
a. to save from
Gracias por traerme estos documentos. Me evita tener que regresar a la oficina a buscarlos.Thanks for bringing these documents. It saves me from having to go back the office to get them.
b. to save
Te quería evitar la molestia de tener que venir hasta acá, pero no alcancé contactarte antes de que salieras.I wanted to save you the trouble of coming all the way out here, but I didn't catch you before you left.
evitarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to save oneself
Si sales media hora antes, te evitas el problema de la hora pico.If you leave half an hour earlier, you save yourself the problem of rush hour.
evadir(
eh
-
bah
-
deer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to evade
Aunque evadas tus problemas ahora, tendrás que enfrentarte a ellos después.Even though you're evading your problems now, you'll have to face them later on.
b. to avoid
Juanita hace lo imposible para evadir encontrarse conmigo porque me debe dinero.Juanita makes every effort to avoid seeing me because she owes me some money.
c. to sidestep
El ministro evadió las preguntas sobre el tema de la pobreza en la conferencia de prensa.The minister sidestepped the questions on poverty during the press conference.
d. to shirk
Evadir tus obligaciones no las hace desaparecer.Shirking your duties doesn't make them disappear.
evadirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
