arriesgado
/a-rrees-GAH-doh/
risky
This image depicts a very risky situation, illustrating the first meaning of arriesgado.
arriesgado(adjective)
risky
?describing a situation or activity
,hazardous
?describing a dangerous environment
perilous
?formal synonym for dangerous
📝 In Action
Hacer esa inversión fue muy arriesgado, pero valió la pena.
B1Making that investment was very risky, but it was worth it.
El camino por la montaña es arriesgado en invierno debido a la nieve.
B1The mountain road is hazardous in winter because of the snow.
Ella propuso un plan arriesgado para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.
B2She proposed a risky plan to finish the project on time.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
Like all Spanish adjectives, 'arriesgado' must match the thing it describes in both gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): 'una tarea arriesgada' (a risky task), 'planes arriesgados' (risky plans).
⭐ Usage Tips
Comparing with 'Peligroso'
While similar to 'peligroso' (dangerous), 'arriesgado' often implies a choice or calculated chance, whereas 'peligroso' simply means something is inherently unsafe.
A daring action shows boldness and courage, illustrating the second meaning of arriesgado.
arriesgado(adjective)
daring
?describing a person or action
,bold
?describing style or design
adventurous
?describing a personality
📝 In Action
Es un diseñador muy arriesgado; siempre usa colores que nadie más se atreve a combinar.
B2He is a very bold designer; he always uses colors no one else dares to combine.
Mi hermana es arriesgada y siempre prueba deportes extremos.
B2My sister is daring and always tries extreme sports.
Fue una decisión arriesgada dejar su trabajo para empezar su propio negocio.
C1It was an adventurous/bold decision to quit her job to start her own business.
💡 Grammar Points
Used with 'Ser'
When describing a permanent trait of a person (like being daring or bold), use the verb 'ser': 'Ella es arriesgada' (She is a daring person).
⭐ Usage Tips
Positive Connotation
In this sense, 'arriesgado' usually carries a positive connotation, suggesting bravery, originality, or initiative, rather than just recklessness.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: arriesgado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'arriesgado' to describe a person's personality?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'arriesgado' and 'riesgoso'?
They are synonyms and often interchangeable, both meaning 'risky.' However, 'arriesgado' is much more common and broadly used across all Spanish-speaking regions. 'Riesgoso' is sometimes preferred in formal contexts or certain Latin American countries.
How do I use 'arriesgado' to talk about a past action?
Since 'arriesgado' is the past participle of 'arriesgar,' you can use it with 'haber' to form perfect tenses, but most commonly, you use it as an adjective to describe the outcome: 'El salto fue arriesgado' (The jump was risky).