riesgo
nounCEFR B2
What does “riesgo” mean in English?
hazard, risk — the possibility of harm or loss; also a specific danger
hazard, risk — the possibility of harm or loss; also a specific danger (asumir riesgos; factor de riesgo)
Example sentences
Asumir ciertos riesgos calculados es indispensable para cualquier empresa que aspire a innovar.
Taking certain calculated risks is indispensable for any company that aspires to innovate.
Los menores que crecen en entornos de pobreza están en mayor riesgo de exclusión social.
Children growing up in poverty are at greater risk of social exclusion.
El médico explicó que corría el riesgo de desarrollar complicaciones si no seguía el tratamiento.
The doctor explained that he risked developing complications if he did not follow the treatment.
How to use it
El riesgo (noun, masculine) means 'risk' or 'hazard' — the possibility of harm or loss. Key collocations: asumir/correr un riesgo; factor de riesgo; a riesgo de + infinitive; riesgo de exclusión social; grupo de riesgo; riesgo calculado; sin riesgo. Distinguish from peligro (immediate/concrete danger — peligro de incendio) and amenaza (threat — usually intentional). The phrase correr el riesgo de is a core B2 construction.
Common mistake
Riesgo (possibility of harm) ≠ peligro (actual/immediate danger). 'At risk' = en riesgo or en peligro depending on imminence. Correr un riesgo (not *tener un riesgo) is the correct verbal collocation. 'Risk factor' = factor de riesgo (not *riesgo factor). A riesgo de + infinitive means 'at the risk of doing something'.