Translation guide
The English word 'risk' can be a noun or a verb. In Japanese, it is often expressed with the loanword リスク (risuku) or native terms like 危険 (kiken, danger) and 恐れ (osore, fear/possibility). The choice depends on whether you mean a chance of loss, a hazard, or the act of risking something.
Expressing the chance that something bad will happen, especially in business, health, or everyday situations.
The most direct equivalent, widely used in business, finance, and daily conversation. It carries a neutral, analytical tone.
投資にはリスクがつきものです。
Investment always involves risk.
喫煙は健康に大きなリスクをもたらします。
Smoking poses a major risk to health.
Literally 'dangerousness', used to describe the degree or nature of risk. Common in formal or technical contexts.
この薬の危険性はまだ十分に解明されていません。
The risks of this drug have not yet been fully clarified.
Used in expressions like ～の恐れがある (there is a risk of ~). Often appears in warnings, news, and formal statements.
大雨で洪水の恐れがあります。
There is a risk of flooding due to heavy rain.
Risk factor. Used in medical, financial, or technical analysis.
肥満は心臓病のリスク要因です。
Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease.
Referring to someone or something that could cause problems.
A dangerous person, often used in security or law enforcement contexts.
彼はテロの容疑者で、危険人物とみなされています。
He is a terror suspect and is considered a risk.
Can also be used for a person or thing, especially in business contexts (e.g., credit risk).
Actively putting something at stake, such as money, reputation, or life.
To expose something to danger. A natural, common phrase.
彼は自分の命を危険にさらして子供を救った。
He risked his life to save the child.
To bet or stake something. Implies a conscious decision to risk something for a potential gain.
彼は全財産を賭けて事業を始めた。
He risked his entire fortune to start the business.
To take a risk. Very common in business and everyday speech.
時にはリスクを取ることも必要だ。
Sometimes it's necessary to take risks.
To dare to do something, implying risk-taking. Often used when someone takes a bold step.
思い切って転職した。
I took the risk and changed jobs.
Describing a state of being vulnerable to harm or loss.
Being exposed to danger. The most direct equivalent.
その地域は洪水の危険にさらされている。
The area is at risk of flooding.
There is a risk. Simple and widely used.
この手術には合併症のリスクがある。
This surgery carries a risk of complications.
To do something that may lead to an undesirable outcome.
There is a risk of doing ~. Formal and common in warnings.
このままでは計画が失敗する恐れがある。
We run the risk of the plan failing if we continue like this.
Could possibly do (something bad). Attaches to verb stem. Implies a risk of an unintended negative action.
そんなことを言うと、彼を傷つけかねない。
Saying that could risk hurting him.
リスク (risk) is often used for calculated or probabilistic dangers, especially in business, finance, and health. 危険 (danger) is a broader term for physical danger or peril. 危険性 refers to the degree of danger. Use リスク when you want to sound analytical; use 危険 for immediate physical threats.
English uses 'risk' as a verb (e.g., 'I risked my life'), but Japanese does not have a single verb equivalent. Instead, use phrases like 危険にさらす or 賭ける. Avoid literal translations like リスクする, which is not standard Japanese.
That client is a risk for late payment.