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How to Say "risk" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “risk” is “riesgo” — use 'riesgo' when referring to the general possibility of loss, harm, or failure, especially in contexts like finance, business, or uncertain situations..

English → Spanish

riesgo

ree-EHS-goh/ˈrjes.ɣo/

nounB1general
Use 'riesgo' when referring to the general possibility of loss, harm, or failure, especially in contexts like finance, business, or uncertain situations.
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.)

peligro

/peh-LEE-gro//peˈli.ɣɾo/

nounA2general
Choose 'peligro' when the primary meaning is immediate danger, threat, or hazard to safety or well-being.
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.

apuesta

ah-PWEH-stah/aˈpwesta/

nounB1general
Use 'apuesta' when 'risk' implies a calculated gamble, an investment, or a commitment to a particular course of action with an uncertain outcome.
A dedicated figure carefully planting a small green tree seedling into the ground, symbolizing a strategic commitment or future venture.

Examples

Su apuesta por la energía renovable fue una decisión inteligente.

Their commitment to renewable energy was a smart decision.

Esta tecnología es la gran apuesta de la compañía para el futuro.

This technology is the company's major venture for the future.

chance

chahn-seh/ˈtʃanse/

nounB1informal
Employ 'chance' when 'risk' is used informally to mean a possibility or likelihood of something happening, often negative, similar to 'no way' or 'no chance'.
A simple drawing of a hand gently tossing a single, blank white cube (a die) into the air, illustrating the uncertainty and likelihood of an event's outcome.

Examples

No hay chance de que el tren llegue a tiempo con esta nevada.

There is no possibility that the train will arrive on time with this snowfall.

¿Qué chance tenemos de que nos den el trabajo?

What probability do we have of getting the job?

Using 'No hay chance'

This fixed phrase is extremely common and means 'There is no way' or 'It’s impossible.' It is often followed by 'de que' and the special form of the verb used for wishes and doubts (the subjunctive).

Riesgo vs. Peligro

Learners often confuse 'riesgo' and 'peligro'. Remember that 'riesgo' refers to the general possibility of loss or harm, often in a calculated or abstract sense, while 'peligro' implies a more immediate and concrete threat to safety.

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