Spanish word

peligro

Pronunciation

IPA/peˈliɣɾo/

Meaning

  • masculine noundanger

Example

Ten cuidado: hay peligro cerca.

Be careful: there is danger nearby.

Illustration for peligro (danger)

More examples

Los excursionistas estuvieron en peligro al perderse.

The hikers were in danger when they got lost.

Core concept

Possibility of harm to a person or thing.

Common phrases

  • estar en peligro

    be in danger

Similar words

riesgo: Chance that a specific action or situation leads to a harmful result.
amenaza: Statement or sign indicating that something bad is likely to occur.
daño: Physical injury or destruction that a person, animal, or object sustains.

Definition in Spanish

Posibilidad de daño, pérdida o perjuicio para alguien o algo.

Word origin

The word derives from Latin periculum via Old Spanish, where the sense of a risky trial has broadened into the general idea of danger or risk.

Usage tips

  • When specifying what may happen, Spanish typically uses 'hay peligro de...' followed by a noun or an infinitive to indicate the specific risk.

Other meanings

  • risknoun
  • hazardnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • peligrosodangerousadjective
  • peligrosamentedangerouslyadverb

Word lists with this word