ギャンブル

ぎゃんぶる
noun
gambling
1. gambling, gamble
The act of wagering money or something of value on an uncertain outcome. Also used figuratively for risky undertakings.
ギャンブルはやらない。
I don't gamble.
ギャンブルで大金(たいきん)(うしな)った。
I lost a large sum of money gambling.
準備(じゅんび)もなしに転職(てんしょく)するのはギャンブルだと(おも)う。
I think changing jobs without preparation is a gamble.

From English "gamble." Covers all forms of betting and gambling, and is also used figuratively for risky decisions with uncertain outcomes.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ギャンブルに()()す (to start gambling)
  • ギャンブルで()ける / ()つ (to lose / win at gambling)
  • ギャンブル依存症(いぞんしょう) (gambling addiction)
  • ギャンブル()き (gambling enthusiast)
  • ギャンブル(せい)(たか)い (highly risky, speculative)

FIGURATIVE USE:
Common for risky decisions: あの投資(とうし)はギャンブルだ (That investment is a gamble).

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • ()(ごと): gambling (native Japanese, slightly formal)
  • ()け: a bet, wager
  • 博打(ばくち): gambling (traditional, somewhat rough connotation)
  • パチンコ: pachinko (Japan's most common form of gambling-like entertainment)