Translation guide
The English word "stakes" can refer to the amount risked in a bet, the level of importance or risk in a situation, or the prize in a competition. This guide helps learners express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
Express the money or value put at risk in a bet or wager.
The standard term for the amount of money wagered in gambling or betting.
賭け金を倍にした。
I doubled the stakes.
An alternative kanji form of 賭け金, also used for insurance premiums or installments, but can mean betting stakes.
掛け金が高すぎる。
The stakes are too high.
A more descriptive phrase meaning "the amount to bet."
賭ける金額を決めてください。
Please decide the stakes.
Describe how much is at risk or how important the outcome is.
Literally "bet," used metaphorically to mean something is at stake. Often used in phrases like ～がかかっている.
彼の将来がかかっている。
His future is at stake.
これは大きな賭けだ。
This is a big gamble (high stakes).
Loanword from English "risk," commonly used in business and everyday contexts.
リスクが高い。
The stakes are high.
Means "importance," suitable when stakes refer to the significance of an outcome.
Literally "things to lose," used to emphasize what is at risk.
失うものが大きい。
There's a lot at stake.
Refer to the prize money or reward for winning a contest.
Prize money, the standard term for monetary reward in competitions.
優勝賞金は100万円です。
The stakes are 1 million yen.
Prize (goods, not necessarily money).
When saying something is "at stake," do not directly translate "stakes" as a noun. Use the verb かかる (to be at stake) or phrases like ～がかかっている.
彼の命がかかっている。
His life is at stake.
The stakes of this match are immeasurable.
賞品は新車です。
The stakes are a new car.