How to Say "daring" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “daring” is “atrevido” — use 'atrevido' to describe someone or something that is willing to take risks, often implying a degree of boldness or even impudence.
atrevido
ah-treh-VEE-dohatɾeˈβiðo
Examples
Fue una idea atrevida, pero valió la pena.
It was a daring idea, but it paid off.
Fue un plan atrevido, pero funcionó.
It was a daring plan, but it worked.
Me gusta la gente atrevida que viaja sola.
I like bold people who travel alone.
Gender Changes
Since this is a word that describes things, it changes to 'atrevida' when talking about a girl, a woman, or a feminine object.
audaz
ow-DAHS/ or /ow-DAHTHauˈdaθ
Examples
El equipo realizó un rescate audaz en la montaña.
The team performed a daring rescue on the mountain.
Ella es una exploradora audaz que no teme a nada.
She is a bold explorer who fears nothing.
El arquitecto presentó un diseño audaz para el nuevo museo.
The architect presented a daring design for the new museum.
Fue una maniobra audaz que cambió el resultado del partido.
It was an audacious maneuver that changed the outcome of the match.
One word for both genders
Unlike words that end in 'o' or 'a', audaz stays the same whether you are describing a man or a woman. For example: 'el hombre audaz' and 'la mujer audaz'.
Plural Spelling Change
When making this word plural, the 'z' changes to a 'c' before adding 'es'. So, one person is 'audaz', but two people are 'audaces'.
Avoid 'audaza'
Mistake: “La niña es audaza.”
Correction: La niña es audaz. Adjectives ending in 'z' don't change their ending for female subjects.
aventurero
ah-ben-too-REH-rohaβentuˈreɾo
Examples
Es un espíritu aventurero que siempre busca nuevos horizontes.
He's an adventurous spirit who is always looking for new horizons.
Mi hermano es muy aventurero y le gusta viajar solo.
My brother is very adventurous and likes to travel alone.
Tuvimos un viaje aventurero por las montañas de Perú.
We had an adventurous trip through the mountains of Peru.
Su espíritu aventurero lo llevó a vivir en cinco países diferentes.
His adventurous spirit led him to live in five different countries.
Matching the Person
Since this is a describing word, it changes to 'aventurera' if you are talking about a woman or a feminine object.
Word Order
Usually, you put 'aventurero' after the thing you are describing, like 'un hombre aventurero'.
Gender Agreement
Mistake: “Mi hermana es muy aventurero.”
Correction: Mi hermana es muy aventurera. Use the 'a' ending when describing women.
arriesgado
a-rrees-GAH-doha.rjesˈɣa.ðo
Examples
Invertir todo tu dinero en eso es muy arriesgado.
Investing all your money in that is very daring.
Es un diseñador muy arriesgado; siempre usa colores que nadie más se atreve a combinar.
He is a very bold designer; he always uses colors no one else dares to combine.
Mi hermana es arriesgada y siempre prueba deportes extremos.
My sister is daring and always tries extreme sports.
Fue una decisión arriesgada dejar su trabajo para empezar su propio negocio.
It was an adventurous/bold decision to quit her job to start her own business.
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).
lanzado
lan-SAH-dohlanˈsado
Examples
No dudó en hablarle, es un chico muy lanzado.
He didn't hesitate to talk to her; he's a very daring guy.
No tuvo miedo de pedirle una cita, es un chico muy lanzado.
He wasn't afraid to ask her on a date; he's a very daring guy.
Si quieres el trabajo, tienes que ser más lanzada.
If you want the job, you have to be more bold.
Describing People
When describing a person, this word must match the gender of the person. Use 'lanzado' for men and 'lanzada' for women.
Lanzado vs. Atrevido
Mistake: “Using 'lanzado' only for physical throwing.”
Correction: In social contexts, 'lanzado' is a compliment or a description of someone's gutsy personality, not just about physical objects.
llevado
yeh-VAH-dohʎeˈβa.ðo
Examples
No seas tan llevado y piensa antes de actuar.
Don't be so daring/rash and think before acting.
No seas tan llevado, pide permiso antes de entrar.
Don't be so rash/bold, ask for permission before entering.
Ese niño es muy llevado; siempre está subiendo a los árboles.
That child is very daring; he's always climbing trees.
Using 'Ser' for Personality
This meaning uses the verb ser because it describes a fundamental personality trait or characteristic: 'Es llevado' (He is bold/daring).
guapo
gwah-pohˈɡwapo
Examples
Ese torero es muy guapo; se enfrenta al toro sin miedo.
That bullfighter is very daring; he faces the bull without fear.
Ese torero es muy guapo, no tiene miedo a nada.
That bullfighter is very brave; he isn't afraid of anything.
No te metas con él, es un guapo del barrio.
Don't mess with him, he's a tough guy in the neighborhood.
Context is Key
When 'guapo' is used to describe character (brave/tough), it often appears in contexts related to conflict, challenges, or physical danger. Listen closely to the situation.
Choosing Between 'Atrevido' and 'Audaz'
Related Translations
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