Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Danger in Spanish: Peligro
Peligro · noun (masculine) · peh-LEE-groh
The Spanish word for danger is 'peligro,' a masculine noun you'll see on warning signs, hear in safety announcements, and encounter in everyday conversation. The related adjective is 'peligroso' (dangerous). This is one of the most important safety words to know when traveling in Spanish-speaking countries.
Say peh-LEE-groh with three syllables and stress on the second. Each vowel is pronounced clearly and openly.
Hay peligro de incendio en esta zona durante el verano.
There is danger of fire in this area during the summer.
Danger in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for danger, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| peligro | danger | peh-LEE-groh | Default, widely understood |
| riesgo | danger | used for risk or hazard |
How Native Speakers Use Peligro
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Warning sign
El letrero dice '¡Peligro! No pasar.'
The sign says 'Danger! Do not pass.'
Reading a warning sign.
Travel safety
Esta carretera es un peligro cuando llueve.
This road is a danger when it rains.
Warning about road conditions.
Animal encounter
Los osos representan un peligro real para los excursionistas.
Bears represent a real danger to hikers.
Discussing wildlife hazards.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Peligro
Confusing peligro and peligroso
Incorrect: Esa zona es muy peligro.
Correct: Esa zona es muy peligrosa.
'Peligro' is the noun (danger), while 'peligroso/peligrosa' is the adjective (dangerous). When modifying a noun with 'ser' or 'estar,' you need the adjective form.
Wrong preposition
Incorrect: Estás a peligro aquí.
Correct: Estás en peligro aquí.
The correct expression is 'estar en peligro' (to be in danger), using the preposition 'en,' not 'a.'
Lock in Danger Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Peligro used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using peligro in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Hay peligro de incendio en esta zona durante el verano. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Danger in Spanish
- What does the sign '¡Peligro!' mean?
- A sign reading '¡Peligro!' is the Spanish equivalent of 'Danger!' and serves as a direct warning about a hazardous situation, commonly seen near construction zones, electrical equipment, and natural hazards.
- How do you say dangerous in Spanish?
- The adjective form is 'peligroso' for masculine nouns and 'peligrosa' for feminine nouns, as in 'un camino peligroso' (a dangerous road) or 'una situación peligrosa' (a dangerous situation).
- What is the difference between peligro and riesgo?
- 'Peligro' refers to an immediate, concrete danger or threat, while 'riesgo' describes a probability or chance of something bad happening, more akin to 'risk' in English.