amenaza
/ah-meh-NAH-sah (The 'z' sound is like an 's' in Latin America, but like the 'th' in 'thing' in Spain)/
threat
When used as a noun, amenaza means 'threat.' The dark storm cloud represents an impending danger or threat.
amenaza(noun)
threat
?A statement or action that shows intent to harm
menace
?Something that causes trouble or harm
,danger
?A situation involving risk
📝 In Action
La deforestación es una grave **amenaza** para el ecosistema.
B1Deforestation is a serious **threat** to the ecosystem.
Recibió una **amenaza** de muerte anónima.
B2She received an anonymous death **threat**.
Los nubarrones son una **amenaza** de tormenta.
B1The dark clouds are a **menace** (or signal) of a storm.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Since this is a feminine noun, always pair it with feminine words like 'la' or 'una' (la amenaza, una seria amenaza).
⭐ Usage Tips
Specifying the Threat
To specify what kind of threat it is, use the preposition 'de' (of): 'amenaza de bomba' (bomb threat), 'amenaza de despido' (threat of firing).
The verb form amenaza means 'he/she/it threatens.' The dark figure is actively threatening the bird.
amenaza(verb)
he/she/it threatens
?The action of threatening (Present Tense, 3rd Person Singular)
you threaten
?The action of threatening (Present Tense, Usted form)
📝 In Action
El perro nos **amenaza** si nos acercamos a su plato.
A2The dog **threatens** us if we get close to his bowl.
El volcán inactivo ya no **amenaza** a la población.
B1The inactive volcano no longer **threatens** the population.
¿Usted me **amenaza**? ¡No le tengo miedo!
A2Are you **threatening** me? I'm not afraid of you!
💡 Grammar Points
Spelling Change for Sound
When conjugating amenazar, the final 'z' changes to a 'c' before 'e' (like in the subjunctive form: que yo amenace). This change keeps the soft 's' sound consistent.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Z-C Shift
Mistake: "Writing 'yo amenaze' in the present subjunctive."
Correction: The correct spelling is 'yo amenace' to ensure the pronunciation stays correct. This rule applies to many verbs ending in -zar.
⭐ Usage Tips
Threatening *with* Something
To say you threaten someone with an action, use the preposition 'con' followed by an infinitive: 'Amenazó con irse' (He threatened to leave).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: amenaza
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'amenaza' as the action of the verb?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'amenaza' the same as 'amenazar'?
No, they are related! 'Amenazar' is the base verb meaning 'to threaten.' 'Amenaza' is the noun meaning 'a threat,' or it can be the conjugated verb form meaning 'he/she/it threatens' in the present tense.
How do I know if 'amenaza' is a noun or a verb in a sentence?
Look at the words around it. If it is preceded by 'la' or 'una' (La amenaza, una amenaza), it is a noun. If it is preceded by a person (El jefe amenaza) or refers to the action being done, it is a verb.