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How to Say "hazard" in Spanish

English → Spanish

peligro

/peh-LEE-gro//peˈli.ɣɾo/

nounA2general
Use 'peligro' when referring to a specific, identifiable source or situation that poses a threat or danger.
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-goh/ˈrjes.ɣo/

nounB1general
Use 'riesgo' to talk about the possibility of something bad happening, often in contexts involving potential harm or loss, like financial or health risks.
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.)

azar

/ah-SAHR/ or /ah-THAR//aˈθaɾ/

nounB1general
Use 'azar' when the 'hazard' specifically means chance, luck, or randomness, particularly in games of chance or unpredictable events.
A brightly colored storybook illustration showing a large six-sided die frozen mid-roll in the air just before landing, symbolizing chance.

Examples

La lotería depende del puro azar.

The lottery depends on pure chance.

Encontré mi viejo libro por azar en la librería.

I found my old book by chance in the bookstore.

Elegimos el ganador al azar de entre todos los participantes.

We chose the winner at random from all the participants.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'r', 'azar' is always a masculine noun, meaning you must use the article 'el' (el azar).

Confusing 'al azar' and 'por azar'

Mistake: “Using 'por azar' when describing the method of selection.”

Correction: Use 'al azar' (at random) to describe the *way* something is chosen (e.g., 'Lo elegí al azar'). Use 'por azar' (by chance) to describe *why* something happened (e.g., 'Nos encontramos por azar').

Peligro vs. Riesgo

Learners often confuse 'peligro' and 'riesgo'. Remember that 'peligro' points to a concrete source of danger (like a slippery floor), while 'riesgo' refers to the potential for harm or loss (like the risk of falling).

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