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How to Say "to risk" in Spanish

English → Spanish

arriesgar

ah-rrees-GAHR/a.rjesˈɣaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'arriesgar' when you are generally putting something or someone in a situation of potential danger or loss, especially with finances or personal safety.
A shiny, valuable golden egg resting precariously on the very edge of a steep, dark cliff, illustrating that the egg is in danger.

Examples

No quiero arriesgar mi dinero en esa inversión.

I don't want to risk my money on that investment.

El presidente arriesgó su reputación con esa decisión.

The president risked his reputation with that decision.

Spelling Change for -GAR Verbs

When conjugating -GAR verbs like 'arriesgar,' you must add a 'u' before an 'e' to keep the hard 'g' sound. This happens in the 'yo' preterite (arriesgué) and throughout the present subjunctive (arriesgue, arriesgues, etc.).

Forgetting the 'u' in the Preterite

Mistake: “Yo arriesgé (incorrect spelling)”

Correction: Yo arriesgué (The 'u' is needed to make the 'g' sound hard, otherwise 'ge' sounds like 'he' in Spanish.)

exponer

/ex-po-NAIR//eks.poˈneɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'exponer' when you are actively placing something or someone in a hazardous situation or subjecting them to a potential harm.
A small green plant sitting alone in the middle of a snowy field without any cover.

Examples

No debes exponer la piel al sol durante muchas horas.

You shouldn't expose your skin to the sun for many hours.

Ese comportamiento expone a tu familia al peligro.

That behavior exposes your family to danger.

Se expuso a una multa por conducir muy rápido.

He risked a fine by driving too fast.

Exposing yourself

To say 'to take a risk,' you use the reflexive form: 'exponerse'. Example: 'No quiero exponerme' (I don't want to risk myself).

Using 'a' with things

aventurar

/ah-ben-too-RAR//aβentuˈɾaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'aventurar' when you are taking a chance or making a bold move, especially when giving an opinion or making a decision without full certainty.
A small bird preparing to fly across a wide gap between two high tree branches.

Examples

No quiero aventurar una opinión sin tener todos los datos.

I don't want to venture an opinion without having all the facts.

El inversor decidió aventurar su capital en la nueva tecnología.

The investor decided to risk his capital on the new technology.

Es arriesgado aventurar qué pasará en las próximas elecciones.

It is risky to venture a guess as to what will happen in the next elections.

Aventurar vs. Arriesgar

While both mean 'to risk,' 'aventurar' is more common when talking about mental risks, like sharing an unsure opinion. 'Arriesgar' is used more for physical or financial danger.

Using 'Aventurar' with Objects

When using this word, you are usually putting a specific thing (money, an idea, your life) into a risky situation.

The 'Reflexive' Confusion

Mistake: “Saying 'Me aventuro mi dinero'.”

Correction: Say 'Aventuro mi dinero'. Use 'aventurarse' (reflexive) only when you are the one entering a physical place or risky situation yourself.

Arriesgar vs. Exponer

Learners often confuse 'arriesgar' and 'exponer'. While both involve danger, 'arriesgar' is more about the general possibility of loss or danger, whereas 'exponer' implies actively putting something into harm's way.

Related Translations

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