evitar

to avoid

evitar(eh-bee-tahr)

transitive verb

1. (to keep clear of)

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.

3. (to keep from)

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

pronominal verb

4. (to keep clear of)

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.