risque
/ʁisk/
The English phrase 'risk' is translated into French as risque.
The noun risque refers to the potential, and typically negative, effect of an event, particularly in a business or professional context.
Meaning: business etc.: potential (conventionally negative) effect of an event (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun risque is closely related to the French verb risquer, which means 'to risk' or 'to hazard'. When you want to say 'to take a risk', use the expression prendre un risque using the verb prendre (to take) rather than avoir (to have).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁisk/
Did you know?
- The word risque traces back to the Old Italian word risco, which originally referred to a 'hazard' or a 'slope' that one might slip down.
- In French, you can say jouer avec le feu to describe someone 'playing with fire', which is the idiomatic way to describe someone taking a very dangerous risk.
- In French, the expression courir un risque literally translates to 'running a risk', which is the more common way to describe being in a risky situation than 'taking' one.
Examples in context
- Il y a un risque.There's a risk.This sentence demonstrates how to state that a risk exists.Tatoeba #4992877 by franlexcois, translation #2252639 by CK
- Je ne risque rien.I'm not putting anything at risk.This sentence shows how to express that one is not putting anything at risk.Tatoeba #8537591 by Aiji, translation #7125921 by AlanF_US
- Je prends le risque.I'll take the risk.This sentence demonstrates how to say one will take a risk.Tatoeba #3224564 by sacredceltic, translation #2548750 by CK
- Il existe un risque financier si nous poursuivons cette stratégie.There is a financial risk if we pursue this strategy.
- Ce projet présente un danger pour la biodiversité.This project poses a risk to biodiversity.
- Elle aime prendre des risques en essayant de nouvelles expériences.She enjoys taking risks by trying new experiences.
- Cette activité est dangereuse, il y a un risque de se blesser.This activity is dangerous, there is a risk of getting hurt.
- Le travail sans réflexion peut entraîner des risques importants.Working without thinking can lead to significant risks.
- Attention, il y a un danger de dérapage sur cette route mouillée.Beware, there is a risk of skidding on this wet road.
- L'escalade peut être amusante, mais il ne faut pas prendre de risques inutiles.Climbing can be fun, but it's important not to take unnecessary risks.
- 172 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are discussing a new investment opportunity.
- ChloéQuel est le risque avec ce projet ?What is the risk with this project?
- LucasLe risque est assez élevé, Chloé.The risk is quite high, Chloé.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu penses qu'on doit s'en retirer ?Do you think we should withdraw?
- LucasIl faut bien évaluer chaque risque avant.We must evaluate every risk carefully first.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “risk” translations and entries risque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries risque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
