回避 means 'to evade' or 'to shun'—it describes deliberately avoiding something uncomfortable, difficult, or threatening, such as a topic, responsibility, confrontation, or emotional issue. The character 回 (huí) literally means 'to turn back' or 'to return', suggesting reversal or withdrawal; 避 (bì) means 'to avoid' or 'to dodge', often implying conscious effort to stay away from danger or discomfort. Together, they form a compound verb emphasizing intentional withdrawal—not just physical avoidance, but psychological or social distancing.

This word is commonly used in interpersonal, professional, and emotional contexts: avoiding tough conversations, sidestepping accountability, or refusing to engage with distressing information. It carries a slightly negative or critical connotation, implying reluctance rather than healthy boundaries. It’s frequently paired with objects like 问题 (wèntí, 'issue'), 责任 (zérèn, 'responsibility'), or 现实 (xiànshí, 'reality'). While formal and neutral in register, it’s more common in written or serious spoken Chinese than in casual daily talk.