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A small, cartoon figure standing hesitantly at the abrupt edge of a deep canyon, illustrating a precarious situation or risk.

riesgo

ree-EHS-goh

nounmB1
risk?possibility of loss or harm,danger?the potential for immediate harm
Also:hazard?source of potential harm,peril?serious danger

📝 In Action

Correr un riesgo alto es parte de la inversión en la bolsa.

B1

Running a high risk is part of investing in the stock market.

¿Vale la pena tomar ese riesgo por un beneficio tan pequeño?

B2

Is it worth taking that risk for such a small benefit?

La zona tiene riesgo de inundación durante la temporada de lluvias.

A2

The area has a risk of flooding during the rainy season.

El médico habló sobre los riesgos de la cirugía.

B1

The doctor spoke about the risks of the surgery.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • correr un riesgo – to run/take a risk
  • tomar un riesgo – to take a risk
  • factor de riesgo – risk factor
  • riesgo calculado – calculated risk

Idioms & Expressions

  • a riesgo de – at the risk of (doing something)

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun Rule

Remember that 'riesgo' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it: 'el riesgo' (the risk).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Choosing the Verb for 'Taking a Risk'

Mistake: "Using 'hacer un riesgo'."

Correction: The correct verb is usually 'correr' (to run) or 'tomar' (to take): 'Corrí un gran riesgo.' (I ran a great risk.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Risk Adjective

To describe something as 'risky,' use the related adjective 'arriesgado/a': 'Fue una decisión muy arriesgada.' (It was a very risky decision.)

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: riesgo

Question 1 of 2

Which verb is most commonly used when talking about actively engaging with a potential threat?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

arriesgar(to risk) - verb
arriesgado(risky, daring) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'risky' in Spanish?

The adjective form is 'arriesgado' (if masculine) or 'arriesgada' (if feminine). For example: 'Es una situación muy arriesgada.' (It is a very risky situation.)

Is 'riesgo' always a negative word?

Not always. While it implies danger, it can be used neutrally or even positively in phrases like 'riesgo calculado' (calculated risk), suggesting smart decision-making.