Translation guide
Expressing the idea of putting one's life in danger, often for a cause or in a dangerous situation.
The core meaning of willingly or knowingly exposing oneself to a life-threatening situation.
The most common and natural way to say 'risk one's life'. It implies a conscious decision to stake one's life on something.
彼は家族を守るために命を懸けた。
He risked his life to protect his family.
命を懸けて戦う覚悟はあるか。
Are you prepared to fight risking your life?
Focusing on the action taken while aware of the life-threatening risk.
Means 'to brave danger' or 'to take a risk'. Can be used for life-threatening risks but also lesser dangers.
彼は危険を冒して洞窟に入った。
He risked his life entering the cave.
命を懸ける specifically means risking one's life, while 危険を冒す is broader and can refer to any kind of danger, not necessarily life-threatening. Use 命を懸ける when the stakes are explicitly life and death.
Directly translating 'risk one's life' as 命をリスクする is unnatural. Stick to the established phrases above.
A more literal translation, meaning 'to expose one's life to danger'. Slightly more formal or descriptive.
救助隊は自分たちの命を危険にさらして被災者を助けた。
The rescue team risked their lives to save the victims.
Literally 'do something with one's life on the line'. Emphasizes the desperate or all-in nature of the action.
命がけでその仕事をやり遂げた。
He completed the job risking his life.
A formal, literary expression meaning 'to risk one's life' or 'to throw oneself into danger', often for the sake of others.
彼は子供を救うために身を挺した。
He risked his life to save the child.
Describes reckless or fearless behavior, literally 'acting without regard for one's life'.
あんな命知らずの行動はやめるべきだ。
You should stop such reckless behavior that risks your life.