amenazante
/amenaˈθante/
The Spanish word for "threatening" is amenazante.
amenazante is an adjective used to describe something or someone that presents a threat.
Meaning: presenting a threat (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb amenazar (to threaten) plus the suffix -ante, which functions similarly to the English suffix -ing in present participles.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective amenazante is invariable in gender, meaning it stays the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. To make it plural, you add an -s to form amenazantes.
How do you pronounce it?
/amenaˈθante/
Did you know?
- The verb amenazar can be used to describe the weather in a way that English cannot. A cloud can amenazar lluvia, meaning it 'threatens rain', which is a common daily expression that feels more natural in Spanish than in English.
- If you want to say a person is 'threatening' in a casual way, avoid amenazante and use the phrase tener mala pinta, which literally means 'to have a bad look'.
- While English speakers might use 'threatening' to describe a person's behavior, in Spanish, describing a person directly as amenazante can sound much more serious and legalistic than the English equivalent.
Examples in context
- Tom lanzó una mirada amenazante a Mary.Tom gave Mary a threatening look.This sentence shows how to use amenazante to describe a look.Tatoeba #3657312 by cueyayotl, translation #2956757 by CK
- Las abejas pican a los animales amenazantes.Bees sting threatening animals.This sentence demonstrates using amenazante to describe animals.Tatoeba #13872918 by Seael, translation #12473728 by rul
- El cielo luce amenazante.The sky looks threatening.This sentence illustrates using amenazante to describe the sky.Tatoeba #925414 by burntsoap, translation #27845 by CK
- La carta que recibí era amenazante y me causó gran preocupación.The letter I received was threatening and caused me great concern.
- El tono intimidante de su voz me hizo sentir incómodo.The intimidating tone of his/her voice made me feel uncomfortable.
- Ellos me dan miedo con su actitud agresiva.They scare me with their aggressive attitude.
- El equipo visitante tiene un estilo muy amenazador.The visiting team has a very threatening style.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a strange dog in the neighborhood.
- DanielVi un perro muy grande y amenazante hoy.I saw a very large and threatening dog today.
- María¡Qué miedo! ¿Estaba suelto en la calle?How scary! Was it loose in the street?
- DanielSí, y tenía un gesto amenazante.Yes, and it had a threatening look.
- MaríaTen cuidado cuando camines por allí, Daniel.Be careful when you walk around there, Daniel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry amenazante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
