Translation guide
The English word 'peril' refers to serious and immediate danger, often with a sense of risk or exposure to harm. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and set phrases that convey danger, risk, or crisis. The most common and versatile equivalent is 危険 (kiken), but other options exist for more formal, literary, or specific contexts.
Expressing that something is dangerous or involves risk, in a broad sense.
The most common and versatile word for 'danger' or 'peril'. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
その山道は危険だ。
That mountain path is perilous.
彼は危険を冒して洞窟に入った。
He entered the cave at his own peril.
Loanword from English 'risk'. Often used in business, finance, or technical contexts. Implies a calculated or potential danger.
この投資には高いリスクがある。
This investment carries high peril.
A more formal or literary term for danger or peril, often implying a crisis or calamity. Rare in everyday speech.
危難を乗り越える。
To overcome peril.
Emphasizing that the danger is immediate, severe, or potentially fatal.
Literally 'danger to life'. Used when someone's life is at stake. Common in news and serious warnings.
彼は命の危険にさらされている。
He is in mortal peril.
Means 'crisis' or 'critical situation'. Often used for moments of extreme peril, such as in emergencies or turning points.
その国は経済危機に直面している。
The country is facing economic peril.
危機一髪で助かった。
We were saved at the last moment from peril.
A phrase meaning 'danger is approaching' or 'peril looms'. Used to describe an imminent threat.
危険が迫っていることを知らせる。
To warn of impending peril.
Indicating that someone takes full responsibility for potential harm or loss.
Means 'at one's own risk' or 'on one's own responsibility'. Commonly used in warnings or disclaimers.
このエリアへの立ち入りは自己責任でお願いします。
Enter this area at your own peril.
Literally 'knowing the danger'. Implies doing something despite being aware of the peril.
彼は危険を承知で救助に向かった。
He went to the rescue at his own peril.
Describing a person, thing, or situation that is currently in a dangerous state.
Means 'is exposed to danger' or 'is in peril'. A common way to describe an ongoing state of risk.
その地域は洪水の危険にさらされている。
The area is in peril of flooding.
Means 'precarious state' or 'perilous condition'. Slightly more literary or dramatic.
彼の命は危うい状態だ。
His life is in peril.
危険 (kiken) is the general word for danger and can be used in everyday situations. リスク (risuku) is a loanword that often implies a calculated or potential risk, commonly used in business, finance, and technical fields. For most translations of 'peril', 危険 is the safer choice.
喫煙は健康に危険です。
Smoking is a peril to health.
投資には常にリスクが伴う。
Investment always involves peril.
The English phrase 'at your peril' is often used as a warning. In Japanese, it is more natural to use 自己責任で (jiko sekinin de) or a specific warning phrase rather than a direct translation. For example, 'Ignore this advice at your peril' could be rendered as この忠告を無視すると危険です (If you ignore this advice, it will be dangerous).
この忠告を無視すると危険です。
Ignore this advice at your peril.
船員たちは嵐の中、大きな危険に直面した。
The sailors faced great peril during the storm.
彼は自己責任でその子供を救った。
He saved the child at his own peril.
その種は絶滅の危機に瀕している。
The species is in peril of extinction.