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.
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.
この計画には大きなリスクがある。
This plan is very risky.
Means 'dangerous' or 'critical', often implying a precarious situation. More literary or dramatic.
危うい賭けだった。
It was a risky gamble.
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.
彼は大きなリスクを冒した。
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.
彼女は自分の命の危険を冒して子供を救った。
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.
社長は新市場に賭けに出た。
The president took a risky bet on a new market.
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.
無謀な運転はやめてください。
Please stop the risky driving.
Describes a person who acts without thinking about consequences; daredevil.
彼は向こう見ずな若者だ。
He's a risky young man.
Specifically referring to financial risk or speculative ventures.
Means 'speculative'. Used for investments or business moves with high risk and potential high return.
それは投機的な投資だ。
That's a risky investment.
Loanword from English 'high-risk'. Common in business and finance contexts.
ハイリスク・ハイリターンの商品です。
It's a high-risk, high-return product.
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.
スタートアップへの投資はリスクが高い。
Investing in startups is risky.
彼は危険な決断をした。
He took a risky decision.