danger
/dɑ̃.ʒe/masculine
The English word 'danger' is translated into French as danger. Wiktionary also lists péril.
Meaning: exposure to likely harm (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| danger | /dɑ̃.ʒe/ | masculine |
| péril | /pe.ʁil/ |
The term refers to being exposed to likely harm. While danger is the standard word, you may encounter the word risque to indicate risk or situations involving potential danger.
Which one should you use?
danger is the common word for danger, whereas péril is a more formal or literary term often used to describe an imminent or extreme threat. Additionally, risque primarily means risk but can also be used to indicate situations involving potential danger.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, the colloquial expression être dans le trouble is used to mean being in trouble or in a dangerous situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say someone is 'in danger', you must use the preposition en before the noun, as in être en danger.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɑ̃.ʒe/ (two syllables)
Did you know?
- The word 'danger' is a linguistic oddity because it evolved from the Latin 'dominus', meaning 'master', through a process of associating 'authority' with the 'damage' it could cause.
- When a person is in a state of extreme danger, French speakers might use the idiom être sur la corde raide, which means 'to be on a tightrope'.
- The expression être dans le trouble in Québec is a direct influence of English, though it is not used in France.
Examples in context
- Tu es en danger.You're in danger.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is in danger using danger.Tatoeba #1652452 by sacredceltic, translation #1651936 by Spamster
- Il est en danger.He's in danger.Tatoeba #1652490 by sacredceltic, translation #1651932 by Spamster
- Es-tu en danger ?Are you in danger?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is in danger using danger.Tatoeba #5461572 by Aiji, translation #2648576 by CK
- Les conditions météorologiques actuelles posent un péril pour les navigateurs.The current weather conditions pose a danger to sailors.
- Fais gaffe lorsque tu traverses la rue.Be careful when crossing the street.
- 285 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are hiking near a steep cliff.
- LucasFais attention, Manon, c'est un vrai danger.Be careful, Manon, it's a real danger.
- ManonJe sais, je vais m'éloigner du bord.I know, I'm going to move away from the edge.
- LucasC'est mieux, car le danger est permanent ici.That's better, because the danger is constant here.
- ManonMerci de me protéger, Lucas.Thank you for protecting me, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “danger” translations and entries danger, péril, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries danger, péril, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
