peligro
/peˈliɡɾo/masculine
The Spanish word for danger is peligro. Wiktionary also lists discrimen.
Meaning: exposure to likely harm (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| peligro | /peˈliɡɾo/ | masculine |
| discrimen | /disˈkɾimen/ | masculine |
peligro is a masculine noun used to describe exposure to likely harm. To express that someone or something is 'in danger', use the phrase en peligro.
Which one should you use?
While peligro is the standard term, discrimen is another masculine noun. Additionally, the adjective peligroso is used to describe something as 'dangerous'.
How does it change in a sentence?
peligro is a masculine noun. To indicate being in a state of danger, it is paired with the preposition en.
How do you pronounce it?
/peˈliɡɾo/
Did you know?
- The word peligro didn't evolve naturally from Latin. It is a 'semi-learned' borrowing, meaning it was intentionally reintroduced into the language by educated speakers.
- The Latin root perīculum originally referred to a 'trial' or 'experiment'. This implies that 'danger' was once viewed as a test of strength or quality.
- In Spanish, the word peligro can be used as an interjection. Shouting ¡Peligro! serves as an immediate warning to others to stop or move away.
Examples in context
- Ese es el peligro.That's the danger.This sentence identifies a specific danger.Tatoeba #12019570 by emma_zunz, translation #4495142 by CK
- Él está en peligro.He's in danger.This sentence describes a person being in a state of danger.Tatoeba #1932164 by hayastan, translation #1651932 by Spamster
- Tom está en peligro.Tom is in danger.Tatoeba #2943144 by hayastan, translation #2273223 by CK
- Por favor, no se acerque. Hay peligro de derrumbe.Please do not approach. There is a danger of collapse.
- Las fuertes lluvias suponen una amenaza para la población.Heavy rains pose a danger to the population.
- 218 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are hiking near a steep cliff.
- DanielNo te acerques al borde, hay peligro.Don't get close to the edge, there is danger.
- MaríaTienes razón, Daniel. Es muy alto.You are right, Daniel. It is very high.
- DanielCaminemos por el sendero para evitar el peligro.Let's walk on the trail to avoid the danger.
- MaríaDe acuerdo, María irá detrás de ti.Agreed, María will go behind you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “danger” translations and entries peligro, discrimen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries peligro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
