arriesgar
/ah-rrees-GAHR/
to risk
To arriesgar means to risk, or to put something valuable in danger.
arriesgar(verb)
to risk
?to put something in danger
to jeopardize
?formal context
,to hazard
?less common
📝 In Action
No quiero arriesgar mi dinero en esa inversión.
A2I don't want to risk my money on that investment.
El presidente arriesgó su reputación con esa decisión.
B1The president risked his reputation with that decision.
💡 Grammar Points
Spelling Change for -GAR Verbs
When conjugating -GAR verbs like 'arriesgar,' you must add a 'u' before an 'e' to keep the hard 'g' sound. This happens in the 'yo' preterite (arriesgué) and throughout the present subjunctive (arriesgue, arriesgues, etc.).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'u' in the Preterite
Mistake: "Yo arriesgé (incorrect spelling)"
Correction: Yo arriesgué (The 'u' is needed to make the 'g' sound hard, otherwise 'ge' sounds like 'he' in Spanish.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Direct Object Needed
When using 'arriesgar' in this way, you must say what you are risking: 'Arriesgué [mi trabajo].'
To arriesgar is to take a risk by putting oneself in a potentially dangerous situation.
arriesgar(verb)
to take a risk
?to put oneself in a risky situation
,to take a chance
?to venture or dare
to dare
?when followed by an action (arriesgarse a...)
📝 In Action
Tienes que arriesgarte si quieres ganar la lotería.
B1You have to take a risk if you want to win the lottery.
Me arriesgué a hablar con mi jefe sobre el aumento.
B2I risked speaking (I took a chance and spoke) to my boss about the raise.
Ellos se arriesgaron a viajar sin reservaciones.
B2They risked traveling without reservations.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive Form
When you use 'arriesgarse,' the action reflects back onto the person doing it (I risk myself, you risk yourself). Remember to use the reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se).
Using 'A' After Arriesgarse
When 'arriesgarse' is followed by another action (a verb), you must use the preposition 'a' before the second verb: 'Me arriesgo a saltar' (I risk to jump).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "Yo arriesgo a viajar solo (I risk to travel alone)"
Correction: Yo me arriesgo a viajar solo (I risk *myself* to travel alone. This is the natural way to say 'I take a chance'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Daring
This reflexive form ('arriesgarse a...') is one of the best ways to express daring or trying something despite the danger.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: arriesgar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses the reflexive form 'arriesgarse' correctly?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'arriesgar' and 'arriesgarse'?
'Arriesgar' is usually followed by an object (what you are risking): 'arriesgar dinero' (risk money). 'Arriesgarse' means 'to take a risk' or 'to dare,' and is used when *you* are the one facing the danger: 'Me arriesgué a saltar' (I took the risk of jumping).
Is 'arriesgar' used often in conversation?
Yes, it is a high-frequency verb, especially in its reflexive form ('arriesgarse'), which is essential for talking about choices, chances, and boldness.