perigo
/peˈɾi.ɡu/masculine
The Portuguese word for danger is perigo.
perigo is used to describe an exposure to likely harm. While perigo is the noun for danger, you can use the related adjective perigoso to describe something as dangerous.
Meaning: exposure to likely harm (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
perigo is a masculine noun. To express that someone or something is 'in danger', use the preposition em before the noun, forming the phrase em perigo.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /peˈɾi.ɡu/.
Did you know?
- The word perigoso is often used as a playful or flirtatious descriptor for a person who is charismatic but potentially trouble, similar to saying someone is 'dangerous' in English but with a more positive connotation.
- In some regional dialects, the word perigo is used in the expression que perigo to express surprise or irony rather than an actual threat of harm.
- The word perigo is believed to have entered the language as a 'semi-learned' word, meaning it was likely popularized by scholars or through formal writing rather than evolving from common street speech.
Examples in context
- Isto é um perigo.This is a danger.This sentence illustrates how to identify a specific danger.Tatoeba #7318330 by iart61, translation #9713614 by Nylez
- Ela está em perigo.She's in danger.This sentence shows how to state that a person is in danger using the phrase em perigo.Tatoeba #1236193 by alexmarcelo, translation #1651933 by Spamster
- Tom está em perigo.Tom is in danger.This sentence demonstrates the use of em perigo with a proper name.Tatoeba #2941405 by alexmarcelo, translation #2273223 by CK
- Perigo! Não se aproxime do fogo.Danger! Do not approach the fire.
- Cuidadinho! Esse cachorro é nervoso.Watch out! That dog is aggressive.
- 163 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Beatriz are discussing a stormy hiking trail.
- FelipeA tempestade traz muito perigo.The storm brings much danger.
- BeatrizEu concordo, Felipe.I agree, Felipe.
- FelipeNão devemos subir a montanha agora.We should not climb the mountain now.
- BeatrizÉ melhor ficarmos em segurança.It is better to stay safe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “danger” translations and entries perigo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries perigo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
