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B1 adjective #24 más común 10 min de lectura

dangerous

Top 24

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos dangerous en 30 segundos

Explicación dangerous in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'dangerous' is one of the first words you learn to describe things that are not safe. It is a very important word for your safety. You use it to talk about things like fast cars, big animals, or fire. For example, you might say, 'The fire is dangerous' or 'That dog is dangerous.' At this level, you should know that 'dangerous' is the opposite of 'safe.' You use it with the verb 'to be.' For example: 'It is dangerous.' You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that if something can hurt you, it is dangerous. You might see this word on signs in the street or in a park. If you see a sign with a red circle and a picture of a person falling, it means the place is dangerous. It is a 'warning' word. Teachers use it to tell students what not to do. 'Don't run, it is dangerous!' is a common sentence. You should also know that we use 'dangerous' for people sometimes, like 'a dangerous man,' but mostly you will use it for things and places. It is a simple way to say 'be careful.'

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At the A2 level, you can start to use 'dangerous' in more complete sentences. You can use it to give advice or warnings to others. For example, 'It is dangerous to walk here at night' or 'Driving too fast is dangerous.' You are beginning to understand that 'dangerous' can be used with an infinitive (to + verb). You also know that 'dangerous' is an adjective, and you can use it before a noun, like 'a dangerous sport' or 'a dangerous animal.' You might start to use adverbs like 'very' to make it stronger: 'That snake is very dangerous.' You can also compare things using 'more dangerous than.' For example, 'Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars.' This helps you express your opinions about safety. You will hear this word in stories, news for kids, and safety instructions. You should also be aware of the noun 'danger.' For example, 'There is danger in the forest.' Knowing the difference between the adjective and the noun is a good step for A2 learners. You are also learning that 'dangerous' isn't just for physical things; it can be for situations too, like 'a dangerous game.'

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'dangerous' in a variety of contexts, including social and abstract ones. You can describe 'dangerous ideas' or 'dangerous situations' that aren't just about physical harm. You understand that 'dangerous' implies a risk that something bad might happen. You can use more specific adverbs like 'quite dangerous,' 'potentially dangerous,' or 'extremely dangerous.' You also start to learn synonyms like 'risky' or 'unsafe' and understand that 'dangerous' is usually stronger. You can use the word in the 'It is dangerous to...' pattern easily. You might also use the adverb 'dangerously,' as in 'He was driving dangerously.' At this level, you can participate in discussions about safety, health, and the environment using this word. For example, 'Pollution is dangerous for the planet.' You can also use it to talk about sports and hobbies, explaining why some are more dangerous than others. You are expected to spell it correctly and use it naturally in both speaking and writing. You also understand that 'dangerous' can be used to describe a person's character or influence, not just their physical actions.

At the B2 level, you use 'dangerous' with nuance and precision. You understand the subtle differences between 'dangerous,' 'hazardous,' 'perilous,' and 'treacherous.' You can choose the best word for the situation. For example, you might use 'hazardous' when talking about chemicals in a science report, or 'treacherous' when describing a mountain path that looks safe but is actually slippery. You can use 'dangerous' to describe complex social and political issues, such as 'a dangerous precedent' or 'a dangerous lack of transparency.' Your sentences are more complex, often using 'dangerous' in subordinate clauses: 'The policy, which many experts considered dangerous, was eventually scrapped.' You also understand idiomatic uses and can use the word to create a specific tone in your writing. You are aware of the collocations like 'dangerous levels,' 'dangerous ground,' and 'dangerous liaisons.' You can discuss the ethics of risk, such as 'Is it dangerous to allow AI to make decisions?' At this level, you should be able to use the word in academic, professional, and creative contexts with high accuracy and appropriate register.

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At the C1 level, 'dangerous' is a tool for sophisticated analysis. You use it to explore the implications of risks in depth. You might discuss 'the dangerous allure of power' or 'the dangerous intersection of technology and privacy.' You are sensitive to the rhetorical power of the word and use it to persuade or emphasize a point. You can use it in highly formal contexts, such as legal or medical reports, where the definition of 'dangerous' must be precise and evidence-based. You also understand how 'dangerous' can be used ironically or metaphorically in literature and high-level journalism. You are proficient in using the full word family, including 'endanger,' 'endangerment,' and 'dangerously.' You can analyze how the perception of what is 'dangerous' changes over time and across cultures. Your vocabulary includes rare synonyms like 'parlous' or 'precarious,' which you use to add variety and specific meaning to your work. You can handle complex grammatical structures involving the word, such as 'Were the conditions any more dangerous, the mission would have been aborted.' You use the word to engage in high-level critical thinking about safety, ethics, and human behavior.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'dangerous' and its related concepts. You can use the word with extreme precision, often in the context of philosophical or highly technical discourse. You might explore 'the dangerous supplement' in deconstructionist theory or 'dangerous knowledge' in the history of science. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how its meaning has evolved from 'power' and 'dominion' to 'risk.' You can use the word to create subtle shades of meaning in creative writing, using it to evoke a specific atmosphere or character trait. You are capable of discussing the most complex risks facing humanity—existential, technological, and environmental—using 'dangerous' as a key term in your arguments. You can effortlessly switch between registers, using 'dangerous' in a casual conversation and 'perilous' or 'hazardous' in a formal lecture. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, and you can even use it to play with language, using puns or clever references. You are fully aware of the cultural and historical weight the word carries and use it with appropriate gravity and insight.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

dangerous en 30 segundos

Dangerous is an adjective that describes anything likely to cause harm, injury, or damage to people or things.
It is commonly used for physical threats like wild animals or fire, as well as abstract risks like dangerous ideas.
The word is the opposite of safe and is often found on warning signs and in safety instructions.
It can be modified by adverbs like 'extremely' or 'potentially' to show the level of risk involved.

The word dangerous is a fundamental adjective in the English language, used to describe anything that poses a threat to life, health, property, or stability. At its core, it signifies the presence of risk. When we call something dangerous, we are issuing a warning that the situation, object, or person has the potential to cause harm. This harm can be physical, such as a sharp knife or a wild animal, or it can be abstract, such as a dangerous idea or a dangerous financial investment. The versatility of the word allows it to scale from minor everyday hazards to existential threats.

Physical Safety: Used to describe environments or objects that can cause bodily injury. For example, a 'dangerous road' might have sharp turns and no guardrails, while a 'dangerous chemical' could cause burns upon contact.

Swimming in this river is dangerous because of the strong currents and hidden rocks.

In a psychological or social context, 'dangerous' describes behaviors or individuals that might cause emotional distress or social instability. A 'dangerous person' might be someone prone to violence or someone who manipulates others for harmful ends. In politics, a 'dangerous precedent' refers to an action that might lead to negative consequences in the future by setting a bad example. The word carries a heavy weight; it is rarely used lightly. When a doctor says a condition is dangerous, it implies a need for immediate action. When a sign says 'Dangerous: Keep Out,' it is a legal and moral directive to ensure safety.

Abstract Risk: Applying the term to non-physical things like 'dangerous logic' or 'dangerous emotions' suggests that these thoughts could lead to catastrophic decisions or outcomes.

The spread of misinformation is dangerous to the health of a democratic society.

Culturally, what is considered dangerous varies. Extreme sports enthusiasts might find a mountain climb exhilarating, while a novice would find it life-threateningly dangerous. This subjectivity means that 'dangerous' often reflects the speaker's perspective on safety and risk management. However, in professional fields like engineering, medicine, and law, the term is defined by rigorous safety standards and statistical probabilities of harm.

Intensity Modifiers: We often use adverbs to show the level of danger: 'extremely dangerous,' 'potentially dangerous,' 'mildly dangerous,' or 'inherently dangerous.'

The old bridge was deemed dangerous by the inspectors and closed immediately.

It is dangerous to assume that everyone has the same level of knowledge about safety protocols.

Lions are dangerous predators that should only be observed from a safe distance.

Using 'dangerous' correctly involves understanding its placement and the nouns it typically modifies. It is most commonly used as an attributive adjective (before a noun) or a predicative adjective (after a linking verb). For instance, 'a dangerous dog' (attributive) versus 'the dog is dangerous' (predicative). The word is versatile and can describe people, places, things, and abstract concepts.

Sentence Structure: It is dangerous to...: One of the most common patterns is using 'it' as a dummy subject followed by 'is dangerous' and an infinitive phrase. Example: 'It is dangerous to text while driving.'

It is dangerous to climb the mountain without proper gear.

When describing people, 'dangerous' can refer to their physical strength, their unpredictability, or their influence. A 'dangerous criminal' is someone who has committed violent acts. A 'dangerous thinker' might be someone whose ideas challenge the status quo in a way that leaders find threatening. In sports, a 'dangerous player' is one who is very skilled and likely to score or win, posing a 'threat' to the opposing team.

Adverbial Modification: To specify the degree of danger, use adverbs like 'highly,' 'extremely,' 'potentially,' 'somewhat,' or 'increadibly.' This adds nuance to your description.

The chemical leak created an extremely dangerous environment for the workers.

In formal writing, 'dangerous' is often used to describe systemic risks. For example, 'The economic policy was dangerous because it ignored inflation.' Here, it suggests a lack of foresight and the potential for a large-scale crisis. In medical contexts, it describes symptoms or levels: 'The patient has a dangerously high fever.' Note how the adverb form is used to modify the adjective 'high'.

Prepositional Phrases: We often use 'dangerous for' or 'dangerous to'. For example, 'This toy is dangerous for small children' or 'The fumes are dangerous to your health.'

Smoking is dangerous to your long-term health.

The icy roads made driving dangerous for everyone on the highway.

It was a dangerous mission, but the soldiers accepted the risk.

She was in a dangerous situation and needed help immediately.

You will encounter the word 'dangerous' in a wide variety of settings, from news broadcasts to casual conversations. In the news, it is frequently used to describe weather events, criminal activities, or international conflicts. A news anchor might report on a 'dangerous storm' approaching the coast or a 'dangerous fugitive' on the loose. These contexts emphasize the immediate threat to public safety.

Safety Signs and Warnings: In public spaces, 'dangerous' appears on warning signs. 'Dangerous Curves,' 'Dangerous Voltage,' or 'Dangerous Animals' are standard warnings designed to prevent accidents.

The sign read: 'DANGER: Dangerous Cliffs - Do Not Approach Edge.'

In the workplace, particularly in construction, manufacturing, or healthcare, 'dangerous' is part of the professional vocabulary used in risk assessments. Safety officers identify 'dangerous practices' or 'dangerous equipment' that must be addressed to comply with regulations. In these environments, the word is often linked to specific protocols and protective gear.

Casual Conversation: People use it to warn friends or family. 'Don't go there, it's a dangerous neighborhood' or 'That ladder looks dangerous, let me hold it for you.'

I think it's dangerous to leave the oven on when you go out.

In the digital world, you might hear about 'dangerous downloads' or 'dangerous websites' that contain malware. Cybersecurity experts use the term to describe vulnerabilities that could lead to data breaches. Here, the 'danger' is to your digital identity and privacy rather than physical health.

Sports Commentary: Commentators use it to describe a team or player who is in a good position to score. 'He's in a dangerous position at the edge of the box!'

The striker is dangerous whenever he gets the ball near the goal.

The doctor warned that the medication could have dangerous side effects if taken with alcohol.

It's dangerous to walk on the ice when it's starting to melt.

While 'dangerous' is a common word, there are several pitfalls that learners and even native speakers might encounter. The most frequent error is confusing the adjective 'dangerous' with the noun 'danger'. You cannot say 'The situation is danger'; you must say 'The situation is dangerous' or 'There is danger in the situation.' Understanding the part of speech is crucial for grammatical accuracy.

Dangerous vs. Endangered: 'Dangerous' means something can cause harm. 'Endangered' means something is at risk of being harmed or becoming extinct. A tiger is dangerous (it can hurt you), but it is also endangered (it might disappear from the wild).

Incorrect: The polar bear is dangerous of dying out. Correct: The polar bear is in danger of dying out / is endangered.

Another common mistake is using 'dangerous' when 'risky' or 'unsafe' would be more precise. While they are synonyms, 'dangerous' usually implies a higher level of threat. For example, 'It's risky to invest all your money in one stock' is better than 'It's dangerous,' because the latter sounds like the stock might physically explode. Use 'dangerous' for threats to life and limb, and 'risky' for threats to finances or plans.

Overusing the Word: Because 'dangerous' is a strong word, using it for minor inconveniences can make your speech sound hyperbolic. If a soup is too hot, it's not 'dangerous' unless it's literally boiling and likely to cause third-degree burns.

Incorrect: This math homework is dangerous. Correct: This math homework is difficult/challenging.

Confusing 'dangerous' with 'dangerously' is also common. 'Dangerous' modifies nouns, while 'dangerously' modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. 'He drives dangerously' (adverb) vs. 'He is a dangerous driver' (adjective). Mixing these up can make sentences sound awkward or incorrect to a native ear.

Dangerous vs. Perilous: 'Perilous' is a more formal and literary synonym. Using 'perilous' in a casual conversation might sound overly dramatic, while using 'dangerous' in a formal poem might feel too plain.

The dangerous curve in the road caused many accidents.

It is dangerous to mix these two cleaning products together.

To enrich your vocabulary, it's helpful to know synonyms for 'dangerous' and when to use them. While 'dangerous' is a general-purpose word, others can provide more specific shades of meaning. For example, 'hazardous' is often used for environmental or health risks, while 'perilous' suggests a high degree of immediate, often life-threatening, danger.

Hazardous: Often used in technical or official contexts. 'Hazardous waste' or 'hazardous driving conditions.' It implies a source of danger that is often regulated.

The factory was fined for improper disposal of hazardous materials.

'Risky' is used when there is a chance of failure or loss, but not necessarily physical harm. 'A risky investment' or 'a risky move in a game of chess.' 'Treacherous' is used for things that are dangerous because they are deceptive or unpredictable, like 'treacherous ice' that looks solid but isn't, or a 'treacherous person' who might betray you.

Precarious: Describes a situation that is unstable and likely to get worse. 'A precarious position on the edge of a cliff' or 'a precarious financial situation.'

The vase was placed in a precarious spot where it could easily fall.

Menacing: Used when something looks or feels like it wants to cause harm. 'A menacing sky' before a storm or 'a menacing look' from an enemy.

The dark clouds were menacing, signaling a severe thunderstorm.

'Unsafe' is a direct antonym of safe and is often used for buildings or equipment that don't meet safety standards. 'The building was declared unsafe for habitation.' It's a bit more clinical than 'dangerous.' 'Insecure' can also mean unsafe, especially in the context of structures or digital systems, though it more commonly refers to a lack of confidence in people.

Lethal and Fatal: These are the extreme versions of dangerous. 'Lethal' means capable of causing death, while 'fatal' means actually resulting in death.

The snake's venom is lethal to small mammals.

It is dangerous to ignore the warning signs of a heart attack.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In Middle English, 'danger' could also mean 'reluctance' or 'shyness'. If a lady was 'dangerous', she was difficult to please or hard to approach!

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈdeɪndʒərəs/

US /ˈdeɪndʒərəs/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: DANG-er-ous.

Rima con

generous prosperous treacherous adventurous cancerous ponderous slanderous thunderous

Errores comunes

Pronouncing it as two syllables (dang-rous).
Forgetting the 'j' sound in the middle.
Using a short 'a' sound in the first syllable (dan-ger-ous).
Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.
Mumbling the 'ous' ending.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Common word found in many texts; easy to recognize.

Escritura 3/5

Spelling can be tricky (the 'e' and 'o').

Expresión oral 2/5

Simple pronunciation, though three syllables require care.

Escucha 2/5

Easily understood in most contexts.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

safe hurt bad risk careful

Aprende después

hazardous perilous precaution vulnerable jeopardy

Avanzado

parlous precarious detrimental deleterious insidious

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Placement

The dangerous (adj) dog (noun) vs The dog is dangerous.

It as Dummy Subject

It is dangerous to swim here.

Adverb Formation

Dangerous + ly = Dangerously (He drives dangerously).

Comparatives

This road is more dangerous than the other one.

Superlatives

This is the most dangerous part of the journey.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Fire is dangerous.

Le feu est dangereux.

Simple subject + verb 'to be' + adjective.

That big dog is dangerous.

Ce gros chien est dangereux.

Adjective describing a noun.

Don't touch that! It's dangerous.

Ne touche pas à ça ! C'est dangereux.

Imperative + 'it is' + adjective.

Is it dangerous?

Est-ce dangereux ?

Question form of 'it is dangerous'.

The road is dangerous.

La route est dangereuse.

Noun + verb 'to be' + adjective.

Lions are dangerous animals.

Les lions sont des animaux dangereux.

Adjective before a plural noun.

It is dangerous to run here.

Il est dangereux de courir ici.

'It is dangerous to' + infinitive.

The water is dangerous today.

L'eau est dangereuse aujourd'hui.

Adjective describing a state.

It is dangerous to walk alone at night.

Il est dangereux de marcher seul la nuit.

Common A2 sentence pattern.

Driving a car without a belt is dangerous.

Conduire une voiture sans ceinture est dangereux.

Gerund phrase as the subject.

Some snakes are more dangerous than others.

Certains serpents sont plus dangereux que d'autres.

Comparative form: 'more dangerous than'.

The doctor said the medicine is not dangerous.

Le médecin a dit que le médicament n'est pas dangereux.

Reported speech with a simple adjective.

Playing with matches is a dangerous hobby.

Jouer avec des allumettes est un passe-temps dangereux.

Adjective modifying a noun in a phrase.

Is it dangerous to swim in this lake?

Est-ce dangereux de nager dans ce lac ?

Interrogative 'It is dangerous to...'.

The storm made the flight very dangerous.

La tempête a rendu le vol très dangereux.

Verb 'make' + object + adjective.

He is a dangerous driver because he goes too fast.

C'est un conducteur dangereux parce qu'il va trop vite.

Adjective describing a person's role.

It's dangerous to assume that the weather will stay clear.

Il est dangereux de supposer que le temps restera clair.

Using 'dangerous' for abstract assumptions.

The chemicals in this factory are potentially dangerous.

Les produits chimiques de cette usine sont potentiellement dangereux.

Using the adverb 'potentially' to modify the adjective.

She found herself in a dangerous situation during her travels.

Elle s'est retrouvée dans une situation dangereuse au cours de ses voyages.

Common B1 collocation: 'dangerous situation'.

Skiing off-piste can be dangerous if you don't have a guide.

Skier hors-piste peut être dangereux si vous n'avez pas de guide.

Modal verb 'can be' + adjective.

The internet can be a dangerous place for children.

Internet peut être un endroit dangereux pour les enfants.

Metaphorical use of 'place'.

He has a dangerous habit of leaving his front door unlocked.

Il a la dangereuse habitude de laisser sa porte d'entrée non verrouillée.

Adjective modifying 'habit'.

It is extremely dangerous to ignore these safety warnings.

Il est extrêmement dangereux d'ignorer ces avertissements de sécurité.

Intensifying adverb 'extremely'.

The bridge was closed because it was deemed dangerous.

Le pont a été fermé parce qu'il a été jugé dangereux.

Passive construction 'be deemed dangerous'.

The mountain pass is treacherous and dangerous during the winter months.

Le col de montagne est traître et dangereux pendant les mois d'hiver.

Using 'dangerous' alongside a more specific synonym.

Experts warn that the new policy could have dangerous consequences for the economy.

Les experts préviennent que la nouvelle politique pourrait avoir des conséquences dangereuses pour l'économie.

Collocation: 'dangerous consequences'.

He is considered a dangerous opponent because of his unpredictable tactics.

Il est considéré comme un adversaire dangereux en raison de ses tactiques imprévisibles.

Describing skill/threat in a competitive context.

It is a dangerous game to play with people's emotions.

C'est un jeu dangereux que de jouer avec les émotions des gens.

Idiomatic use: 'dangerous game'.

The level of pollution in the city has reached dangerous levels.

Le niveau de pollution dans la ville a atteint des niveaux dangereux.

Collocation: 'dangerous levels'.

The rebels are in a dangerous position, surrounded by enemy forces.

Les rebelles sont dans une position dangereuse, entourés par les forces ennemies.

Describing a strategic disadvantage.

The spread of fake news is dangerous to the stability of the country.

La propagation de fausses nouvelles est dangereuse pour la stabilité du pays.

Abstract threat to social structures.

The experiment was dangerous, but the potential rewards were enormous.

L'expérience était dangereuse, mais les récompenses potentielles étaient énormes.

Contrasting danger with reward.

The lack of regulation in the industry creates a dangerous vacuum.

L'absence de réglementation dans l'industrie crée un vide dangereux.

Metaphorical use: 'dangerous vacuum'.

It is dangerous to conflate correlation with causation in scientific research.

Il est dangereux de confondre corrélation et causalité dans la recherche scientifique.

Academic context: intellectual danger.

The diplomat navigated the dangerous waters of international relations with skill.

Le diplomate a navigué avec habileté dans les eaux dangereuses des relations internationales.

Idiomatic/Metaphorical: 'dangerous waters'.

The film explores the dangerous allure of fame and fortune.

Le film explore l'attrait dangereux de la gloire et de la fortune.

Abstract concept: 'dangerous allure'.

The structural integrity of the building was so compromised that it was inherently dangerous.

L'intégrité structurelle du bâtiment était tellement compromise qu'il était intrinsèquement dangereux.

Using 'inherently' to describe a fundamental quality.

His rhetoric was deemed dangerous by the authorities, leading to his arrest.

Sa rhétorique a été jugée dangereuse par les autorités, ce qui a conduit à son arrestation.

Danger as a social/political judgment.

The surgeon warned that the procedure was dangerous but necessary to save the patient.

Le chirurgien a prévenu que l'intervention était dangereuse mais nécessaire pour sauver le patient.

Professional assessment of risk.

There is a dangerous tendency to oversimplify complex global issues.

Il existe une tendance dangereuse à simplifier à l'excès les problèmes mondiaux complexes.

Describing a cognitive risk.

The philosopher argued that the pursuit of absolute certainty is a dangerous endeavor.

Le philosophe a soutenu que la recherche de la certitude absolue est une entreprise dangereuse.

Philosophical context.

The precarious balance of power in the region is increasingly dangerous.

L'équilibre précaire des pouvoirs dans la région est de plus en plus dangereux.

High-level political analysis.

The novel depicts the dangerous obsession of a man consumed by revenge.

Le roman dépeint l'obsession dangereuse d'un homme consumé par la vengeance.

Literary analysis of character.

To ignore the warnings of climate scientists is to invite a dangerous future.

Ignorer les avertissements des climatologues, c'est s'exposer à un avenir dangereux.

Existential threat context.

The court ruled that the defendant's actions constituted a dangerous disregard for human life.

Le tribunal a jugé que les actions du défendeur constituaient un mépris dangereux pour la vie humaine.

Legal terminology: 'dangerous disregard'.

The dangerous intersection of populist rhetoric and economic despair led to social unrest.

L'intersection dangereuse de la rhétorique populiste et du désespoir économique a conduit à des troubles sociaux.

Sociological analysis.

She possessed a dangerous intelligence that made her both respected and feared.

Elle possédait une intelligence dangereuse qui la rendait à la fois respectée et crainte.

Describing a personal attribute as dangerous.

The rapid development of autonomous weapons systems is a dangerous escalation of the arms race.

Le développement rapide de systèmes d'armes autonomes est une escalade dangereuse de la course aux armements.

Technical/Military context.

Colocaciones comunes

dangerous situation

dangerous animal

dangerous road

extremely dangerous

potentially dangerous

dangerous levels

dangerous weapon

dangerous game

dangerous area

dangerous driver

Frases Comunes

dangerous to your health

— Something that can make you sick or cause injury.

Smoking is dangerous to your health.

a dangerous precedent

— An action that sets a bad example for the future.

Allowing this behavior sets a dangerous precedent.

dangerous grounds

— A situation or topic that is risky to deal with.

Talking about politics at dinner is dangerous grounds.

dangerous liaisons

— Risky or harmful relationships, often romantic.

The movie is about the dangerous liaisons of the upper class.

in a dangerous position

— Being in a situation where harm is likely.

The army was in a dangerous position.

dangerously high

— A level that is high enough to cause harm.

His blood pressure is dangerously high.

dangerous talk

— Speech that could lead to trouble or conflict.

That kind of dangerous talk could get you fired.

dangerous beauty

— Something that is attractive but also harmful.

The volcano has a dangerous beauty.

a dangerous mind

— A person who is very intelligent but uses it for harm.

The villain in the story has a dangerous mind.

dangerous curve

— A sharp turn in a road that requires caution.

The sign warned of a dangerous curve ahead.

Se confunde a menudo con

dangerous vs danger

'Danger' is a noun; 'dangerous' is an adjective. You can be *in* danger, or a situation can *be* dangerous.

dangerous vs endangered

'Endangered' means at risk of extinction; 'dangerous' means likely to cause harm.

dangerous vs risky

'Risky' often implies a chance of financial loss or failure; 'dangerous' implies physical harm.

Modismos y expresiones

"play with fire"

— To do something very dangerous or risky.

If you cheat on your taxes, you're playing with fire.

Informal

"skating on thin ice"

— To be in a risky or dangerous situation.

He's skating on thin ice by coming to work late every day.

Informal

"a loose cannon"

— A person who is unpredictable and dangerous.

The new manager is a bit of a loose cannon.

Informal

"living on the edge"

— Living a life full of danger and excitement.

He loves extreme sports; he's always living on the edge.

Informal

"the tip of the iceberg"

— A small part of a much larger, dangerous problem.

This small leak is just the tip of the iceberg.

Neutral

"out of the frying pan into the fire"

— Going from a bad situation to an even worse (more dangerous) one.

Quitting his job without another one was going out of the frying pan into the fire.

Informal

"walking a tightrope"

— Being in a situation where a small mistake could be dangerous.

The diplomat is walking a tightrope between the two countries.

Neutral

"in the lion's den"

— In a very dangerous or hostile place.

The reporter went right into the lion's den to get the story.

Informal

"a recipe for disaster"

— A situation that is very likely to end dangerously.

Combining those two chemicals is a recipe for disaster.

Informal

"at your own peril"

— Doing something at your own risk of danger.

Enter the abandoned building at your own peril.

Formal

Fácil de confundir

dangerous vs Hazardous

Both mean unsafe.

Hazardous is more technical and often refers to chemicals or workplace safety.

Hazardous waste must be handled carefully.

dangerous vs Perilous

Both mean full of danger.

Perilous is more formal and literary, often used for epic or life-threatening risks.

The mountain climb was perilous.

dangerous vs Treacherous

Both describe danger.

Treacherous implies hidden or unpredictable danger, like ice or a person who might betray you.

The icy sidewalk was treacherous.

dangerous vs Precarious

Both describe risky situations.

Precarious specifically means unstable or likely to fall or collapse.

The ladder was in a precarious position.

dangerous vs Unsafe

Direct synonyms.

Unsafe is often used for buildings or equipment that don't meet standards; it's less emotional than dangerous.

The building was declared unsafe.

Patrones de oraciones

Subject + is + dangerous.

The fire is dangerous.

It is dangerous to + [verb].

It is dangerous to run.

[Noun] + can be + dangerous.

Driving can be dangerous.

[Adverb] + dangerous + [noun].

An extremely dangerous snake.

Deem + [object] + dangerous.

The bridge was deemed dangerous.

Dangerous + [abstract noun].

A dangerous precedent.

The [noun] of [noun] is dangerous.

The lack of regulation is dangerous.

[Gerund phrase] + constitutes a dangerous + [noun].

Ignoring the signs constitutes a dangerous disregard for safety.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

danger

endangerment

dangerousness

Verbos

endanger

Adjetivos

dangerous

endangered

Relacionado

peril

hazard

risk

threat

safety

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Errores comunes

The situation is danger. → The situation is dangerous.
You must use the adjective form after the verb 'to be'.
He is a danger driver. → He is a dangerous driver.
Use the adjective 'dangerous' to modify the noun 'driver'.
It is dangerous of swimming here. → It is dangerous to swim here.
The pattern is 'It is dangerous + to + infinitive'.
The tiger is an dangerous animal. → The tiger is a dangerous animal.
'Dangerous' starts with a consonant sound, so use 'a', not 'an'.
He drives dangerous. → He drives dangerously.
Use the adverb 'dangerously' to modify the verb 'drives'.

Consejos

Adjective vs. Noun

Always use 'dangerous' to describe something (The road is dangerous) and 'danger' as a thing (He is in danger).

The Silent E

Don't forget the 'e' in the middle: d-a-n-g-e-r-o-u-s.

Use Synonyms

Try using 'hazardous' for chemicals and 'risky' for money to sound more precise.

Stress the First Syllable

Put the emphasis on 'DANG' to sound like a native speaker.

Intensity

Use adverbs like 'extremely' or 'potentially' to show how dangerous something is.

Warning Signs

If you see the word 'Dangerous' on a sign, stop and be careful!

Abstract Danger

Remember you can use 'dangerous' for ideas and situations, not just physical things.

Dangerous vs. Endangered

A lion is dangerous (it hurts you); a panda is endangered (we might lose it).

Dangerous Game

Use the phrase 'playing a dangerous game' to describe someone taking a big risk with their life or career.

Listen for the 'Ous'

The 'ous' ending is common for adjectives in English, like 'famous' and 'nervous'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'DANGER' sign. D-A-N-G-E-R is the noun, just add -O-U-S to make it an adjective. 'DANGER is for US' (dangerous) if we aren't careful.

Asociación visual

Imagine a bright yellow triangle with a black exclamation mark. This is the universal symbol for something dangerous.

Word Web

risk harm injury hazard warning caution unsafe threat

Desafío

Write three sentences about a 'dangerous' job, a 'dangerous' animal, and a 'dangerous' hobby without using the word 'dangerous' more than once.

Origen de la palabra

The word comes from the Old French word 'dangier', which meant 'power' or 'jurisdiction'. This came from the Vulgar Latin 'dominiarium', from 'dominus' meaning 'lord' or 'master'. Over time, the meaning shifted from 'being in someone's power' to 'being at risk of harm'.

Significado original: Power, dominion, or the ability to harm someone who is in your power.

Indo-European (Latin -> French -> English)

Contexto cultural

Be careful when calling people 'dangerous' as it can be a serious accusation or a stereotype.

In the UK and US, 'dangerous' is a standard term in health and safety legislation (e.g., OSHA in the US).

The album 'Dangerous' by Michael Jackson. The movie 'Dangerous Liaisons'. The book 'A Dangerous Fortune' by Ken Follett.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Weather

dangerous storm
dangerous winds
dangerous conditions
dangerous heat

Health

dangerous side effects
dangerous levels
dangerous virus
dangerous surgery

Crime

dangerous criminal
dangerous weapon
dangerous neighborhood
dangerous activity

Sports

dangerous play
dangerous opponent
dangerous tackle
dangerous sport

Technology

dangerous malware
dangerous website
dangerous link
dangerous bug

Inicios de conversación

"What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?"

"Do you think extreme sports are too dangerous for most people?"

"What are some dangerous animals that live in your country?"

"Is the internet a dangerous place for young children?"

"What is the most dangerous road you have ever driven on?"

Temas para diario

Describe a time when you felt you were in a dangerous situation. How did you react?

Write about a 'dangerous idea' that you think could actually change the world for the better.

Do you believe that people are becoming too afraid of things that are labeled 'dangerous'?

If you had a dangerous job, like a bomb disposal expert, how would you manage the stress?

Discuss the difference between something being 'risky' and something being 'dangerous' in your own life.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is an adjective. The noun form is 'danger'.

Yes, a person can be dangerous if they are likely to cause harm to others.

The most common opposite is 'safe'.

It is spelled D-A-N-G-E-R-O-U-S.

Yes, it is quite a strong word and should be used when there is a real risk of harm.

The adverb form is 'dangerously'.

In some slang contexts, 'dangerous' can mean very impressive or cool, but this is informal.

Synonyms include hazardous, risky, perilous, and unsafe.

There are three syllables: dan-ger-ous.

Both are used. 'Dangerous to' is often followed by a verb (dangerous to swim) or a noun (dangerous to health). 'Dangerous for' is often followed by a person (dangerous for children).

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