Inklingo

How to Say "threat" in Spanish

English → Spanish

amenaza

ah-meh-NAH-sah (The 'z' sound is like an 's' in Latin America, but like the 'th' in 'thing' in Spain)a.meˈna.sa/ ~ /a.meˈna.θa

nounB1general
Use 'amenaza' when referring to a statement or action indicating an intention to cause harm, damage, or danger.
A dramatic illustration showing a huge, dark purple storm cloud hanging low and ominously over a tiny, brightly colored cottage, representing a threat.

Examples

La deforestación es una grave **amenaza** para el ecosistema.

Deforestation is a serious **threat** to the ecosystem.

Recibió una **amenaza** de muerte anónima.

She received an anonymous death **threat**.

Los nubarrones son una **amenaza** de tormenta.

The dark clouds are a **menace** (or signal) of a storm.

Always Feminine

Since this is a feminine noun, always pair it with feminine words like 'la' or 'una' (la amenaza, una seria amenaza).

jaque

HAH-kehˈxake

nounA2chess, figurative
Use 'jaque' specifically in the context of the game of chess to indicate an attack on the king, or metaphorically for a situation that puts something in serious danger or under extreme pressure.
A wooden chess king being targeted by a white knight on a checkered board.

Examples

La huelga de transporte puso en jaque a toda la ciudad.

The transport strike put the entire city in check (under serious pressure).

El jugador anunció 'jaque' al mover su torre.

The player announced 'check' when moving his rook.

Tu rey está en jaque, tienes que moverlo.

Your king is in check; you have to move it.

Hice un movimiento brillante para poner a su reina en peligro y darle jaque al mismo tiempo.

I made a brilliant move to put his queen in danger and give check at the same time.

Using 'dar' with Jaque

To say 'to check' in Spanish chess, we use the verb 'dar' (to give). You don't just 'make' a check; you 'give' it.

The phrase 'Poner en jaque'

This is a fixed phrase. Even if you are talking about multiple people being threatened, 'jaque' usually stays singular because it refers to the state of being 'in check'.

Check vs. Jaque

Mistake: “Using 'cheque' when playing chess.”

Correction: Say 'jaque'. A 'cheque' is what you use at a bank to pay for things.

Word Order

Mistake: “Poner jaque en...”

Correction: Always use 'poner en jaque [something]'. The 'en' must come before 'jaque'.

Confusing General Threats with Situational Danger

Learners often mistakenly use 'jaque' for any kind of threat. Remember that 'jaque' is primarily for chess or a figurative state of crisis, while 'amenaza' is the standard term for a direct threat of harm or danger.

Related Translations

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