Translation guide
The concept of 'life or death' is used to describe situations of extreme importance, urgency, or risk. In Japanese, it is expressed through set phrases, adjectives, and idiomatic expressions that emphasize the critical nature of a situation, often with a nuance of 'do or die' or 'matter of life and death'.
Describing a situation where survival is at stake, or something is of utmost importance.
A common phrase meaning 'a matter of life and death' or 'a question of survival'. Used for both literal survival and figurative critical issues.
これは会社の死活問題だ。
This is a matter of life and death for the company.
水不足は地域の死活問題になっている。
Water shortage has become a life-or-death issue for the region.
Literally 'related to life and death'. Used to describe something that could determine whether someone lives or dies, or is extremely serious.
それは生死にかかわる問題だ。
That is a life-or-death matter.
Means 'risking one's life' or 'desperate'. Often used as an adjective to describe actions done with extreme determination.
彼は命がけで子供を救った。
He saved the child at the risk of his own life.
命がけの挑戦だった。
It was a life-or-death challenge.
Referring to a turning point where the outcome is crucial, often with a 'do or die' nuance.
Means 'brink' or 'critical moment'. Often used in the phrase '瀬戸際に立たされる' (to be brought to the brink).
彼は人生の瀬戸際に立っている。
He is at a life-or-death crossroads in his life.
A theatrical term meaning 'the crucial scene' or 'the moment of truth'. Used figuratively for a decisive moment where one's true ability is tested.
Emphasizing the urgency or desperation of a situation, often with a sense of 'do or die'.
Literally 'the battle formation with one's back to the water'. Means a desperate, last-ditch effort with no retreat. Similar to 'burning one's boats'.
背水の陣で臨む。
We'll face it with our backs to the wall.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'sink or swim' or 'all or nothing'. Used when taking a big risk.
Means 'taking a chance' or 'sink or swim'. Used when the outcome is uncertain but you have to try.
Both mean 'life or death', but 死活問題 is more commonly used for figurative matters (e.g., business survival), while 生死にかかわる is more literal and often refers to actual physical danger or medical conditions.
The English phrase 'life or death' is often used hyperbolically. In Japanese, directly translating it as '生か死か' (せいかしか) is not idiomatic. Use the set phrases provided instead.
これは死活問題だ。
This is a life or death situation.
生死にかかわる問題です。
It's a matter of life and death.
今が正念場だ。
This is the moment of truth.
Literally 'Mount Tennō', a historical battle site. Used metaphorically for a decisive turning point or the most critical moment in a competition or project.
この試合が天王山だ。
This match is the decisive battle.
It's a do-or-die gamble.
Let's give it a shot, sink or swim.