Translation guide
Expressing the idea of putting one's life in danger, often for a cause or in a dangerous situation.
The core meaning of willingly or knowingly exposing oneself to a life-threatening situation.
The most common and natural way to say 'risk one's life'. It implies a conscious decision to stake one's life on something.
Focusing on the action taken while aware of the life-threatening risk.
Means 'to brave danger' or 'to take a risk'. Can be used for life-threatening risks but also lesser dangers.
命を懸ける specifically means risking one's life, while 危険を冒す is broader and can refer to any kind of danger, not necessarily life-threatening. Use 命を懸ける when the stakes are explicitly life and death.
Directly translating 'risk one's life' as 命をリスクする is unnatural. Stick to the established phrases above.
He risked his life to protect his family.
Are you prepared to fight risking your life?
A more literal translation, meaning 'to expose one's life to danger'. Slightly more formal or descriptive.
The rescue team risked their lives to save the victims.
Literally 'do something with one's life on the line'. Emphasizes the desperate or all-in nature of the action.
He completed the job risking his life.
A formal, literary expression meaning 'to risk one's life' or 'to throw oneself into danger', often for the sake of others.
He risked his life to save the child.
He risked his life entering the cave.
Describes reckless or fearless behavior, literally 'acting without regard for one's life'.
You should stop such reckless behavior that risks your life.