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Involving extreme risk to one's life; done with all one's might or utmost seriousness.
彼は命がけで敵を倒した。
He defeated the enemy at the risk of his life.
命がけの覚悟で試合に臨む。
I face the match with a life-or-death determination.
Often used to emphasize seriousness or desperation in a situation. Can describe actions taken with full commitment or in dire circumstances.
While 「命がけの」 is powerful, it can sound melodramatic in everyday contexts. Reserve it for situations where the stakes truly feel life-or-death, such as life-threatening emergencies, critical business decisions, or intense competitions.
The phrase implies extreme risk or commitment. Do not use it for trivial matters (e.g., ❌「命がけのテスト勉強」✅「必死のテスト勉強」).
Combines the noun 「命」 (inochi, 'life') with the verb 「かける」 (kakeru, 'to stake/venture') via the nominalizing particle 「の」. The phrase 「命をかける」 (inochi o kakeru) means 'to risk one's life for something', and 「命がけ」 (inochi-gake) is its nominalized form. Historically used in samurai and warrior contexts to describe actions taken with total commitment.
Most commonly used in formal or literary contexts. Avoid using in casual conversation unless emphasizing extreme seriousness. The phrase can sound overly dramatic in everyday situations.