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How to Say "danger" in Spanish

English → Spanish

peligro

peh-LEE-gropeˈli.ɣɾo

nounA2general
Use 'peligro' for a general, immediate threat or potential for harm that requires caution.
A simple dirt path winding through a landscape, abruptly blocked by a large pile of unstable gray and brown rocks that have tumbled down from a steep cliff face, symbolizing imminent danger.

Examples

¡Cuidado! Hay mucho peligro en esta carretera por la noche.

Be careful! There is a lot of danger on this highway at night.

No te preocupes, el perro está entrenado y no hay peligro.

Don't worry, the dog is trained and there is no danger.

El paciente ya está fuera de peligro después de la operación.

The patient is now out of danger after the surgery.

Always Masculine: 'el peligro'

Even though 'danger' doesn't have a gender in English, 'peligro' is always a masculine word in Spanish. Remember to use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el peligro' (the danger), 'un peligro' (a danger).

Being 'in' Danger: Use 'Estar'

Mistake: “La ciudad es en peligro por la tormenta.”

Correction: La ciudad está en peligro por la tormenta. To talk about being in a state of danger, always use the phrase 'estar en peligro'.

Being a Danger: Use 'Ser'

Mistake: “Ese cable suelto está un peligro.”

Correction: Ese cable suelto es un peligro. To describe something that *is* a danger itself, use the verb 'ser'. It defines what the thing is.

riesgo

ree-EHS-gohˈrjes.ɣo

nounB1general
Use 'riesgo' when referring to the possibility of experiencing harm, loss, or negative consequences, often in a more calculated or abstract sense.
A small, cartoon figure standing hesitantly at the abrupt edge of a deep canyon, illustrating a precarious situation or risk.

Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

Masculine Noun Rule

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

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.)

amenaza

ah-meh-NAH-sah (The 'z' sound is like an 's' in Latin America, but like the 'th' in 'thing' in Spain)a.meˈna.sa/ ~ /a.meˈna.θa

nounB1general
Use 'amenaza' when the danger comes from a specific source or situation that poses a threat, often implying a future or ongoing problem.
A dramatic illustration showing a huge, dark purple storm cloud hanging low and ominously over a tiny, brightly colored cottage, representing a threat.

Examples

La deforestación es una grave amenaza para el ecosistema.

Deforestation is a serious threat to the ecosystem.

La deforestación es una grave **amenaza** para el ecosistema.

Deforestation is a serious **threat** to the ecosystem.

Recibió una **amenaza** de muerte anónima.

She received an anonymous death **threat**.

Los nubarrones son una **amenaza** de tormenta.

The dark clouds are a **menace** (or signal) of a storm.

Always Feminine

Since this is a feminine noun, always pair it with feminine words like 'la' or 'una' (la amenaza, una seria amenaza).

inseguridad

een-seh-goo-ree-dahdinseɣuɾiˈðað

nounB2general
Use 'inseguridad' to describe an environment or situation that lacks safety and security, often related to crime or general unease.
A dark street with a broken fence and a warning sign showing a locked gate.

Examples

Hay mucha inseguridad en esta calle por la noche.

There is a lot of lack of safety on this street at night.

La inseguridad ciudadana es el mayor problema del país.

Public safety concerns are the country's biggest problem.

La inseguridad jurídica ahuyenta a los inversores extranjeros.

The lack of legal certainty scares away foreign investors.

Using 'Hay'

To say 'it is unsafe' in a general area, Spanish often says 'Hay inseguridad' (There is insecurity).

Confusing Noun and Adjective

Mistake: “Esta calle es muy inseguridad.”

Correction: Esta calle es muy insegura. Use the adjective 'insegura' to describe a place, and the noun 'inseguridad' to name the problem.

Peligo vs. Amenaza vs. Riesgo

Learners often confuse 'peligro,' 'amenaza,' and 'riesgo.' 'Peligro' is a direct, immediate threat. 'Amenaza' is a more specific, often external, source of potential harm. 'Riesgo' refers to the possibility or chance of harm, often used when weighing options.

Related Translations

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