Translation guide
The English word 'gamble' can refer to the act of betting money, taking a risk in hopes of a desired outcome, or a risky undertaking. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 賭け事 (kakegoto) for gambling as an activity, while the verb 'to gamble' is often expressed as 賭ける (kakeru) or ギャンブルをする (gyanburu o suru). Figurative uses like 'take a gamble' are expressed with phrases like 賭けに出る (kake ni deru) or 思い切ってやる (omoikitte yaru).
The act of risking money on an uncertain outcome, such as casino games, sports betting, or lotteries.
General term for gambling as an activity. Often used in formal or descriptive contexts.
彼は賭け事で財産を失った。
He lost his fortune through gambling.
Loanword from English, widely used for gambling in general, especially casino-style gambling.
週末はよくギャンブルに行く。
I often go gambling on weekends.
Verb phrase meaning 'to gamble' (engage in betting activities).
賭け事をするのは危険だ。
Gambling is dangerous.
Common verb phrase for 'to gamble', especially in casual conversation.
彼は毎晩ギャンブルをしている。
He gambles every night.
Traditional term for gambling, often with a slightly negative or old-fashioned connotation. Can imply illegal or disreputable gambling.
博打に手を出すな。
Don't get involved in gambling.
To take a chance or risk in hopes of achieving something, not necessarily involving money.
Literally 'to go out on a gamble', meaning to take a calculated risk or make a bold move.
彼は新しい事業に賭けに出た。
He took a gamble on a new business.
Means 'to do something decisively' or 'to take the plunge', often used when taking a risk.
思い切って転職してみた。
I took a gamble and changed jobs.
Means 'to try something on the off chance' or 'to take a chance', literally 'one or eight' (from dice gambling).
一か八か、その計画を提案してみた。
I took a gamble and proposed the plan.
Verb meaning 'to bet' or 'to stake', can be used figuratively for risking something valuable.
A noun referring to an enterprise or action that involves risk.
Noun meaning 'a gamble' or 'a bet', often used in phrases like 'a big gamble'.
それは大きな賭けだった。
It was a big gamble.
Means 'adventure' or 'risk', can be used for a risky undertaking, though less directly about gambling.
Loanword 'risk', often used in business contexts to describe a gamble.
While ギャンブル is common for casino gambling, using it for figurative risks (like 'gambling on love') can sound unnatural. Use 賭け or 賭けに出る for metaphorical gambles.
愛に賭ける
to gamble on love
賭け事 is a native Japanese word and can sound more formal or traditional. ギャンブル is a loanword and feels more modern and casual. Both are widely understood.
He gambled his entire fortune on the plan.
その投資は冒険だった。
That investment was a gamble.
There's a big gamble involved in that plan.