Inklingo

How to Say "hazardous" in Spanish

English → Spanish

peligroso

/peh-lee-GRO-so//peliˈɡɾoso/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'peligroso' when referring to something that poses a direct threat or danger, such as a dangerous animal, a hazardous substance, or a risky situation.
A bright, sunny dirt path suddenly ends at the edge of a very deep, dark, open hole, illustrating a hidden hazard or threat.

Examples

El cableado eléctrico dañado es peligroso.

The damaged electrical wiring is hazardous.

Cuidado, el perro es peligroso.

Be careful, the dog is dangerous.

Conducir con nieve es muy peligroso.

Driving in the snow is very dangerous.

Es una situación peligrosa para la economía del país.

It's a dangerous situation for the country's economy.

Matching the Noun: `peligroso` vs. `peligrosa`

Like most Spanish describing words, peligroso changes to match the thing it describes. Use peligroso for masculine things (un camino peligroso) and peligrosa for feminine things (una idea peligrosa).

Using `ser` vs. `estar`

Mistake: “La calle está peligrosa.”

Correction: Use `ser` (es peligroso) for something that is *always* dangerous, part of its nature. Use `estar` (está peligroso) for a *temporary* danger. For example: 'El mar *es* peligroso' (The sea is generally dangerous) vs. 'El mar *está* peligroso hoy' (The sea is dangerous today because of a storm).

arriesgado

a-rrees-GAH-doh/a.rjesˈɣa.ðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'arriesgado' when describing an action, decision, or situation that involves significant risk or uncertainty, often with a potential for loss but also gain.
A small figure carefully walking across a single, thin rope bridge suspended high above a deep canyon, symbolizing a risky situation.

Examples

Invertir en esa startup sin historial es muy arriesgado.

Investing in that startup with no track record is very hazardous.

Hacer esa inversión fue muy arriesgado, pero valió la pena.

Making that investment was very risky, but it was worth it.

El camino por la montaña es arriesgado en invierno debido a la nieve.

The mountain road is hazardous in winter because of the snow.

Ella propuso un plan arriesgado para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.

She proposed a risky plan to finish the project on time.

Agreement is Key

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'arriesgado' must match the thing it describes in both gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): 'una tarea arriesgada' (a risky task), 'planes arriesgados' (risky plans).

Peligroso vs. Arriesgado

Learners often confuse 'peligroso' and 'arriesgado' by using 'peligroso' for situations that are merely risky, not directly threatening. Remember, 'peligroso' implies a more immediate or inherent danger, while 'arriesgado' relates to calculated or uncalculated risks.

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