Spanish word

atrever

Pronunciation

IPA/atɾeˈβeɾ/

Meaning

  • verbdare

Example

Si te atreves, dilo.

If you dare, say it.

Illustration for atrever (dare)

More examples

¿Te atreverías a viajar solo?

Would you dare to travel alone?

Core concept

A person raising a hand reluctantly to speak in front of a group.

Common phrases

  • atrever a decir la verdad

    dare to tell the truth

  • atrever a probar algo nuevo

    dare to try something new

  • atrever a pedir ayuda

    dare to ask for help

Similar words

intentar: Someone attempts an action regardless of whether it will succeed.
probar: Someone tries something out specifically to verify the result.
animarse: Someone becomes more upbeat and willing, then starts to act.

Definition in Spanish

Tomar la iniciativa de hacer algo difícil o embarazoso, frecuentemente formulado como «atreverse a + infinitivo».

Word origin

Formed in Spanish by adding the reflexive -se to a root meaning bold, so atreverse conveys an act of self-initiated daring.

Usage tips

  • The verb is usually reflexive in use, so te atreves? commonly functions as a casual challenge while no te atrevas is a firm prohibition.

Other meanings

  • take the plungeverb
  • ventureverb

Opposites

  • dudarhesitateverb
  • acobardarsebecome frightenedverb

Related words

  • atrevimientoboldnessnoun
  • atrevidodaringadjective

Word lists with this word