diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index a0c4418..f1f92e7 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -27,7 +27,9 @@ the application. `Space` on a reading without candidates commits it and
 types nothing. `Backspace` and `Esc` on a chosen candidate go back to the
 reading. In a temporary Emoji or Hanja search, `Enter` commits the
 highlighted result and `Tab`/`Shift-Tab` wrap through the results. Leaving
-the field or clicking elsewhere commits what is pending; `Esc` cancels it.
+the field or clicking elsewhere commits what is pending. `Esc` cancels a
+Japanese reading or a search; in Korean and Vietnamese it commits the
+syllable and goes on to the application, so it still leaves insert mode.
 
 Hiragana mode composes a complete reading before offering Kanji candidates.
 Katakana mode does not perform Kanji conversion. Emoji and Hanja searches
diff --git a/strans.c b/strans.c
index 950ccb5..da368cb 100644
--- a/strans.c
+++ b/strans.c
@@ -704,7 +704,7 @@ transition(u32int ks, u32int mod, Str *com)
 			flush(com);
 		return 1;
 	}
-	if(ks == Ktab || ks == Kret){
+	if(ks == Ktab || ks == Kret || (ks == Kesc && !isjp(&im))){
 		if(!haspre(&im))
 			return 0;
 		flush(com);
diff --git a/tests/engine_test.c b/tests/engine_test.c
index e0a3560..48fe708 100644
--- a/tests/engine_test.c
+++ b/tests/engine_test.c
@@ -66,8 +66,8 @@ vietnamese_state_lifetime(struct ct *t)
 	im.pre = mkstr("as");
 	im.raw = mkstr("as");
 	sclear(&com);
-	CT_CHECK(t, keystroke(Kesc, 0, &com));
-	CT_EQ_INT(t, 0, com.n);
+	CT_CHECK(t, !keystroke(Kesc, 0, &com));
+	checkstr(t, "Escape commits Telex", "á", &com);
 	CT_EQ_INT(t, 0, im.pre.n);
 	CT_EQ_INT(t, 0, im.raw.n);