命がけ
inochigake
The English phrase "life or death" is translated into Japanese as 命がけ (inochigake).
命がけ is used to describe a situation or action that involves a great risk to one's life. This phrase is commonly used to describe a person's determination or a specific action that is being performed with extreme risk to one's life.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this phrase as an adjective to modify a noun (e.g., 'a life-or-death struggle'), you must add the particle の (no) after it.
How do you pronounce it?
inochigake
Did you know?
- The noun 命 (inochi) is used in the expression 命をいただく (inochi o itadaku) when eating meat, which literally means 'receiving a life'.
- Because the phrase implies a high stakes gamble, it is often used to describe non-physical challenges, such as a 'life-or-death' exam or a critical business presentation.
- While the English phrase 'life or death' suggests a choice between two outcomes, 命がけ (inochigake) focuses more on the act of 'staking' or 'betting' one's life on a single endeavor.
Examples in context
- この任務は命に関わるThis mission is a matter of life or death.
- 命がけの挑戦をする。inochigake no chousen o suru.I will take on a life-or-death challenge.
- 命がけの捜索が続く。inochigake no sousaku ga tsuzuku.A life-or-death search continues.
- 命がけで子供を救った。inochigake de kodomo o sukutta.He saved the child at the risk of his life.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are discussing a dangerous rescue story.
- 健太 Kentaこの救出作戦は本当に命がけだったね。Kono kyuushutsu sakusen wa hontou ni inochigake datta ne.This rescue operation was truly a matter of life or death.
- 結衣 Yuiええ、信じられない勇気だと思うわ。Ee, shinjirarenai yuuki da to omou wa.Yes, I think it took unbelievable courage.
- 健太 Kenta僕ならそんな命がけのこと、できないよ。Boku nara sonna inochigake no koto, dekinai yo.I could never do something so risky with my life.
- 結衣 Yui健太は慎重なんだからね。Kenta wa shinchou nanda kara ne.That is because you are cautious, Kenta.
