Translation guide
A person who gambles, either professionally or habitually. Japanese has several words that map to 'gambler', but the best choice depends on context: a casual gambler, a professional, or a compulsive gambler.
To refer to someone who engages in gambling, without strong positive or negative connotations.
A direct loanword from English. Widely understood and neutral in tone. Suitable for most contexts when referring to a gambler in a general sense.
He's a born gambler.
A more traditional Japanese term for a professional gambler, often associated with organized gambling or historical contexts. Can carry a slightly rough or underworld nuance.
A formal, somewhat literary term for a professional gambler. Rarely used in everyday conversation.
He was a famous gambler.
To describe someone who gambles excessively, often to the point of addiction or financial ruin.
Literally 'gambling addiction'. Used to describe a person with a gambling disorder. Often used with の人 or の患者.
He is a compulsive gambler.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a person who is deeply into gambling'. Conveys the idea of being absorbed in gambling, often with negative implications.
A somewhat dated or rough term for a gambler, often implying a reckless or habitual gambler. Can be used in a derogatory way.
To describe someone who takes big risks in business, life, etc., not necessarily involving money or cards.
ギャンブラー is the safest, most neutral choice for 'gambler' in modern Japanese. 博徒 sounds old-fashioned or yakuza-related. ばくち打ち is rough and often derogatory. Use ギャンブル依存症 for clinical contexts.
He's not just a gambler; he's a professional gambler (with underworld ties).
賭博者 (とばくしゃ) is a dictionary form but sounds unnatural and overly formal. Stick to ギャンブラー or 博徒 depending on context.
彼は博徒として生計を立てている。
He makes a living as a gambler.
He's a gambler who's always in debt.
あの男は筋金入りのばくち打ちだ。
That guy is a hard-core gambler.
To succeed, you have to be a gambler (risk-taker).