Translation guide
To risk one's life for a cause, duty, or someone else. Japanese expresses this with set phrases and verbs that emphasize staking one's life, often with a strong sense of resolve or sacrifice.
Expressing that someone is willing to die for a purpose, mission, or to protect something.
The most direct and common equivalent. Literally 'to stake one's life'. Used for serious commitments, often in dramatic or formal contexts.
彼は国のために命を懸けた。
He put his life on the line for his country.
Literally 'to throw away one's life'. Implies sacrificing oneself without hesitation, often for others or a greater good.
彼は友達を救うために命を投げ出した。
He put his life on the line to save his friend.
An adverbial phrase meaning 'to do something with one's life at stake'. Emphasizes the extreme risk involved in an action.
命がけでその任務を遂行した。
He carried out the mission putting his life on the line.
A formal, literary expression meaning 'to risk one's life' or 'to throw oneself into danger'. Often used in written narratives or speeches.
彼は正義のために身を挺した。
He put his life on the line for justice.
Describing a moment where someone faces life-threatening danger, often in a physical or immediate context.
Literally 'to brave the danger of death'. Used when someone knowingly enters a life-threatening situation.
彼は命の危険を冒して洞窟に入った。
He put his life on the line by entering the cave.
Means 'to face something prepared to die'. Emphasizes the mental readiness to die, often used in battle or high-stakes challenges.
彼は死ぬ覚悟で戦いに臨んだ。
He put his life on the line going into battle.
Using the concept metaphorically to mean risking everything important, not necessarily physical death.
Literally 'to stake everything'. A broader phrase that can include one's life, career, or reputation. Common in motivational contexts.
彼はこのプロジェクトにすべてを懸けている。
He's putting his life on the line for this project.
Literally 'to stake one's life (career/future)'. Used when the outcome will determine one's entire future.
彼はその試合に人生を懸けている。
He's putting his life on the line in that match.
Do not translate 'put one's life on the line' word-for-word. Phrases like 命を線の上に置く are nonsensical. Use the set expressions provided.
命を懸ける is a verb phrase meaning 'to stake one's life', while 命がけ is a noun or na-adjective meaning 'life-risking'. 命がけで is an adverbial form: 命がけで戦う (fight with one's life on the line).
消防士は毎日命を懸けて働いている。
Firefighters put their lives on the line every day.
見知らぬ人のために命を懸けるつもりはない。
I'm not going to put my life on the line for a stranger.