Translation guide
Describes situations, actions, or decisions that involve danger, uncertainty, or potential loss. Japanese uses adjectives like 危険な (dangerous) or リスクがある (there is a risk), and often expresses risk through verbs like 冒す (to risk) or set phrases.
Describing something as involving risk or danger in a general sense.
The most direct and common adjective meaning 'dangerous' or 'risky'. Used for physical danger as well as risky ventures.
That investment is risky.
Walking alone at night is risky.
Literally 'there is a risk'. A common way to say something is risky, especially in business or formal contexts.
This plan is very risky.
Means 'dangerous' or 'critical', often implying a precarious situation. More literary or dramatic.
Expressing the act of taking a risk or doing something risky.
The standard phrase for 'to take a risk'. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
Describing a person or their behavior as reckless or prone to risk.
Means 'reckless' or 'foolhardy'. Often used for actions without proper consideration of danger.
Specifically referring to financial risk or speculative ventures.
Means 'speculative'. Used for investments or business moves with high risk and potential high return.
While 危険な can be used for abstract risks, it often carries a nuance of physical danger. For financial or strategic risks, リスクがある or 投機的な may be more appropriate.
危険 (kiken) is the native word for danger and feels more immediate or physical. リスク (risuku) is a loanword often used in business, medicine, or formal analysis. In casual speech, both are used, but リスク is more modern and analytical.
Investing in startups is risky.
危うい賭けだった。
It was a risky gamble.
He took a big risk.
Similar to リスクを冒す but uses the native word for danger. Slightly more formal or literary.
She risked her life to save the child.
Literally 'to go out on a gamble'. Used when someone takes a calculated risk or makes a bold move.
The president took a risky bet on a new market.
Please stop the risky driving.
Describes a person who acts without thinking about consequences; daredevil.
He's a risky young man.
That's a risky investment.
Loanword from English 'high-risk'. Common in business and finance contexts.
It's a high-risk, high-return product.
He took a risky decision.