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How to Say "peril" in Spanish

English → Spanish

peligro

/peh-LEE-gro//peˈli.ɣɾo/

nounA2general
Use 'peligro' for general, unavoidable, or inherent dangers, such as those found in hazardous environments or situations.
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

El hielo negro representa un gran peligro para los conductores en invierno.

Black ice represents a great peril for drivers in winter.

¡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' when the danger involves a potential for loss or gain, often implying a choice or an assessment of probability, common in financial or adventurous contexts.
A small, cartoon figure standing hesitantly at the abrupt edge of a deep canyon, illustrating a precarious situation or risk.

Examples

Invertir en startups siempre conlleva un riesgo considerable.

Investing in startups always carries considerable peril.

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.)

General Danger vs. Calculated Risk

Learners often confuse 'peligro' and 'riesgo' by using 'peligro' for situations involving a conscious decision or potential gain/loss. Remember, 'peligro' is the general term for danger, while 'riesgo' specifically refers to a danger that is understood, quantified, or accepted as part of a venture.

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