riesgo
/ˈrjesɡo/
The Spanish word for 'risk' is riesgo.
riesgo is a noun used to describe the potential, usually negative, effect of an event in business or other contexts. To express the action of running or taking a risk, the standard phrase is correr un riesgo. If you wish to describe something as being 'risky', you use the adjective riesgoso.
Meaning: business etc.: potential (conventionally negative) effect of an event (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈrjesɡo/
Did you know?
- The word riesgo is a doublet of risco, which in modern Spanish refers to a steep cliff or crag.
- In some Spanish-speaking business contexts, you might hear the term siniestro to describe a risk that has actually materialized as a loss.
- In colloquial Spanish, the phrase jugársela is often used instead of correr un riesgo when someone is gambling with their reputation or life.
Examples in context
- Tom tomó un gran riesgo.Tom took a big risk.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe someone taking a big risk with riesgo.Tatoeba #3566719 by ficion, translation #3315039 by CK
- ¿Por qué asumes ese riesgo?Why do you take such a risk?This sentence is useful for asking why someone is assuming a particular riesgo.Tatoeba #877069 by Rafp, translation #38742 by AlanF_US
- No me gusta correr riesgos.I don't like to run a risk.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for running riesgo.Tatoeba #1445751 by peibolvig, translation #256759 by Eldad
- La inversión conlleva ciertos riesgos financieros.Investment involves certain financial risks.
- Conducir bajo los efectos del alcohol implica un gran peligro para la seguridad vial.Driving under the influence of alcohol poses great risk to road safety.
- Invertir sin investigar es jugar con fuego.Investing without researching is playing with fire.
- La vida es demasiado corta para no correr algunos riesgos.Life is too short not to take some risks.
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing a new investment.
- MateoEste negocio tiene mucho riesgo.This business has a lot of risk.
- SofíaSí, pero la ganancia es alta.Yes, but the profit is high.
- Mateo¿Estás dispuesta a aceptar ese riesgo?Are you willing to accept that risk?
- SofíaCreo que vale la pena.I think it is worth it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry riesgo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries riesgo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
