Translation guide
The English word 'wager' can be a noun meaning a bet or a verb meaning to bet something. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this concept depends on whether you are talking about a casual bet, a formal gambling bet, or a metaphorical risk.
Expressing the action of placing a bet, typically in gambling or a casual bet between people.
The most common and versatile verb for 'to bet' or 'to wager'. It can be used for money, objects, or even abstract things like one's pride.
彼は競馬に一万円を賭けた。
He wagered 10,000 yen on the horse race.
勝負に全財産を賭けるつもりか？
Are you going to wager your entire fortune on the match?
A phrase meaning 'to make a bet'. It is slightly more colloquial and often used for informal bets between friends.
どっちが勝つか、賭けをしよう。
Let's make a wager on who will win.
A slangy verb used in gambling contexts, often meaning 'to bet' or 'to stake'. It is common in phrases like 賭けを張る (to place a bet).
あのレースに大金を張った。
I wagered a large sum on that race.
Referring to the act of betting or the amount/object bet.
The most common noun for 'a bet' or 'a wager'. It can refer to the act of betting or the thing bet.
それは危険な賭けだ。
That's a risky wager.
彼は賭けに負けて金を全部取られた。
He lost the wager and had all his money taken.
Specifically refers to the money wagered; 'stake' or 'bet amount'.
Using 'wager' in a figurative sense, such as risking one's reputation, life, or future.
The same verb 賭ける is used metaphorically for risking abstract things. Often used in set phrases.
彼は自分の評判を賭けてその計画を支持した。
He wagered his reputation on supporting that plan.
命を賭けて戦う。
To fight, wagering one's life.
The kanji 懸ける is sometimes used for metaphorical 'staking' (e.g., 命を懸ける). It is interchangeable with 賭ける in many contexts but can feel slightly more literary.
彼は命を懸けて真実を明かした。
He revealed the truth, wagering his life.
When you want to say 'I bet he's late again' as a guess, do not use 賭ける. Instead, use phrases like きっと〜だろう or 〜に違いない. 賭ける implies an actual risk or stake.
彼はきっとまた遅れるだろう。
I bet he'll be late again.
The wager is $1,000.