Spanish vocabulary · Intermediate
Threat in Spanish: Amenaza
Amenaza · noun · ah-meh-NAH-sah
The English word 'threat' translates to 'amenaza' in Spanish. It can refer to a verbal threat made by a person, a looming danger, or any source of potential harm. The related verb 'to threaten' is 'amenazar.'
ah-meh-NAH-sah
La deforestación es una amenaza para la biodiversidad.
Deforestation is a threat to biodiversity.
Threat in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for threat, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| amenaza | threat | ah-meh-NAH-sah | Default, widely understood |
| peligro | threat | when emphasizing danger rather than intimidation |
How Native Speakers Use Amenaza
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Environmental context
El cambio climático representa una amenaza global sin precedentes.
Climate change represents an unprecedented global threat.
Discussing large-scale environmental dangers.
Personal safety
Recibió una amenaza anónima por correo electrónico.
She received an anonymous threat by email.
Describing a threatening communication.
Sports commentary
El equipo visitante no fue una amenaza real durante el partido.
The visiting team was not a real threat during the game.
Using the word figuratively in a competitive context.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Amenaza
Verb confusion
Incorrect: Él amenazó una amenaza.
Correct: Él hizo una amenaza.
Using 'amenazar' (to threaten) together with 'amenaza' (threat) creates an awkward redundancy. Use 'hacer una amenaza' (to make a threat) instead.
Accent mark error
Incorrect: La amenazá es seria.
Correct: La amenaza es seria.
'Amenaza' does not carry a written accent mark. Adding one to the final syllable changes the word's stress pattern and creates a non-standard form.
Lock in Threat 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 Amenaza used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using amenaza in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear La deforestación es una amenaza para la biodiversidad. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Threat in Spanish
- How do you say 'threat' in Spanish?
- The word is 'amenaza,' and it covers both verbal threats and abstract dangers. The related verb is 'amenazar,' meaning 'to threaten,' which conjugates as a regular -ar verb with a spelling change (z → c before e).
- What is the difference between 'amenaza' and 'peligro'?
- 'Amenaza' emphasizes something or someone that could cause harm intentionally—like a threat from a person or organization. 'Peligro' is broader and means 'danger' in general, without implying intent behind the risk.
- How do you say 'death threat' in Spanish?
- A death threat is 'amenaza de muerte' in Spanish. This phrase is used in legal, journalistic, and everyday contexts to describe a direct threat against someone's life.