Inklingo

How to Say "perilous" in Spanish

English → Spanish

arriesgado

a-rrees-GAH-doh/a.rjesˈɣa.ðo/

adjectiveB1formal synonym for dangerous
Use this word when referring to a situation, action, or choice that involves risk or potential loss, often with a sense of daring or uncertainty.
A small figure carefully walking across a single, thin rope bridge suspended high above a deep canyon, symbolizing a risky situation.

Examples

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

/peh-lee-GRO-so//peliˈɡɾoso/

adjectiveA2more formal or literary
Use this word to describe something or someone that poses a direct threat or danger, often implying a more serious or immediate hazard.
A bright, sunny dirt path suddenly ends at the edge of a very deep, dark, open hole, illustrating a hidden hazard or threat.

Examples

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 vs. Peligroso

Learners often confuse 'arriesgado' and 'peligroso' because both relate to danger. Remember that 'arriesgado' emphasizes the element of risk and uncertainty in a choice or action, while 'peligroso' points to a more direct, inherent threat.

Related Translations

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