In 15 Seconds
- Used for any situation involving potential danger or failure.
- Works exactly like 'to run a risk' in English.
- Very common in both professional and casual daily life.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you are putting yourself in a vulnerable position or taking a chance on something that might go wrong. It is the Portuguese way of saying you are 'taking a gamble' or 'risking it' in any situation.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing the weather for a trip
Se formos agora, corremos o risco de pegar chuva.
If we go now, we run the risk of catching rain.
Talking about a job opportunity
Eu não quero correr o risco de perder meu emprego atual.
I don't want to run the risk of losing my current job.
Texting a friend about a secret
Não conta pra ninguém, não quero correr riscos!
Don't tell anyone, I don't want to take any risks!
Cultural Background
The expression 'correr risco de vida' is technically a paradox (risking life), but it's the most common way to say someone might die. It reflects a focus on the 'life' that is at stake. In Portugal, people tend to be more linguistically conservative and will often use 'correr o risco de morte' in formal news, considering 'risco de vida' to be logically flawed. In African Lusophone countries, 'correr o risco' is frequently used in political and social activism contexts to describe the dangers of speaking out. There is a distinction between 'correr um risco' (to be in a risky situation) and 'correr riscos' (to be a risk-taker). Being a 'risk-taker' is often seen as a positive trait in startup culture.
The 'De' Rule
Always follow 'risco' with 'de' if you want to say what the risk is. 'Risco de chuva', 'risco de queda'.
No 'Take'!
Never use 'tomar' or 'pegar' with risk. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating from English.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for any situation involving potential danger or failure.
- Works exactly like 'to run a risk' in English.
- Very common in both professional and casual daily life.
What It Means
Correr risco is your go-to phrase for any situation involving uncertainty. It means you are exposing yourself to a possible negative outcome. Whether it is a physical danger or a social blunder, this phrase covers it. It feels very natural and active in Portuguese. You aren't just 'at' risk; you are 'running' it. It suggests movement and a choice you are making.
How To Use It
You can use it just like the English version. It usually takes the preposition de when followed by a verb. For example, correr o risco de followed by an action. You can also use it with nouns. It is a very flexible collocation. You will hear it in business meetings and at the beach. It fits into almost any sentence structure smoothly. Just conjugate correr like a regular -er verb.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing investments or career moves. Use it when talking about the weather before a picnic. It is perfect for telling a friend they might get caught. Use it when you are being brave or perhaps a bit reckless. It works well in professional emails about project deadlines. It also works when texting a crush and feeling nervous. It is a true 'all-rounder' for your vocabulary.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it if the danger is 100% certain. If the roof is already falling, you aren't 'running a risk.' You are just in trouble! Also, don't use it for small, harmless mistakes. If you might drop a grape, it is too dramatic. Save it for things that actually matter. Don't use it to mean 'running a race' (that's just correr). It is about the consequence, not the physical speed.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers are generally quite cautious but very expressive. Using correr risco often comes with a shrug or a worried face. In Brazil, there is a famous culture of 'jeitinho' (finding a way). Sometimes correr o risco is seen as part of the adventure. In Portugal, it might sound a bit more serious or cautionary. It reflects a Mediterranean awareness of fate and luck. It is a very human expression used daily.
Common Variations
You will often see it with the definite article: correr o risco. This makes it sound more specific to the situation. You might also hear correr riscos in the plural. This implies a lifestyle of taking many chances. Another variation is não quero correr riscos, meaning 'I want to play it safe.' It is the ultimate phrase for the cautious and the bold alike.
Usage Notes
The phrase is incredibly stable across all registers. The only thing to watch for is verb agreement with 'correr' and ensuring you use 'de' before a following verb.
The 'De' Rule
Always follow 'risco' with 'de' if you want to say what the risk is. 'Risco de chuva', 'risco de queda'.
No 'Take'!
Never use 'tomar' or 'pegar' with risk. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating from English.
Business Portuguese
In a professional setting, use 'assumir o risco' to sound more responsible and decisive.
Risco de Vida
Don't be confused if you hear 'risco de vida' and 'risco de morte'—they mean the exact same thing in a hospital.
Examples
6Se formos agora, corremos o risco de pegar chuva.
If we go now, we run the risk of catching rain.
A very common everyday use regarding weather or traffic.
Eu não quero correr o risco de perder meu emprego atual.
I don't want to run the risk of losing my current job.
Expressing caution about a major life decision.
Não conta pra ninguém, não quero correr riscos!
Don't tell anyone, I don't want to take any risks!
Used here to mean 'playing it safe' with information.
Se você comer esse pimenta, corre o risco de explodir!
If you eat that chili, you run the risk of exploding!
Hyperbole used for comedic effect among friends.
Você corre um grande risco se não fizer o tratamento.
You run a big risk if you don't do the treatment.
Used to emphasize the gravity of a medical situation.
Investir na bolsa sempre envolve correr riscos.
Investing in the stock market always involves taking risks.
Standard financial terminology in Portuguese.
Test Yourself
Complete a frase com a forma correta do verbo 'correr' e a preposição necessária.
Se você dirigir muito rápido, ______ o risco ______ sofrer um acidente.
Em português, usamos o verbo 'correr' e a preposição 'de' após a palavra 'risco'.
Qual frase está gramaticalmente correta?
Escolha a opção correta:
'Correr o risco de' é a expressão idiomática correta.
Complete o diálogo entre dois amigos.
Amigo A: 'Vou investir todo meu dinheiro em criptomoedas.' Amigo B: 'Cuidado! Você ______.'
O contexto sugere um aviso sobre uma consequência negativa (perder tudo).
Combine a situação com a frase apropriada.
Situação: Um médico falando sobre um paciente estável.
Quando o perigo passou, dizemos que a pessoa 'não corre mais risco'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSe você dirigir muito rápido, ______ o risco ______ sofrer um acidente.
Em português, usamos o verbo 'correr' e a preposição 'de' após a palavra 'risco'.
Escolha a opção correta:
'Correr o risco de' é a expressão idiomática correta.
Amigo A: 'Vou investir todo meu dinheiro em criptomoedas.' Amigo B: 'Cuidado! Você ______.'
O contexto sugere um aviso sobre uma consequência negativa (perder tudo).
Situação: Um médico falando sobre um paciente estável.
Quando o perigo passou, dizemos que a pessoa 'não corre mais risco'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, adding 'um' (a) makes it slightly more specific to one instance of risk.
It is neutral. It works in both a bar and a courtroom.
'Arriscar' is the verb 'to risk'. 'Correr o risco' is the phrase 'to run the risk'. They are interchangeable in most cases.
It's a cultural idiom focusing on the life that is being threatened, even if 'risco de morte' is more logical.
Usually no. You wouldn't say 'correr o risco de ganhar na loteria'. Use 'ter a chance de' instead.
Eu corri, você correu, nós corremos, eles correram.
It is always 'correr o risco'. Never use 'ao'.
Yes, especially in Brazil. 'Ele corre risco de morte' is very common.
It's a 'calculated risk'—a risk you've thought about and decided is worth taking.
Yes, it can mean a line, a scratch, or a stripe.
Por sua conta e risco.
Extremely common, just like in Brazil.
Related Phrases
arriscar-se
synonymTo risk oneself
estar em perigo
similarTo be in danger
jogar com a sorte
similarTo play with luck
pôr em risco
builds onTo put (something) at risk
quem não arrisca, não petisca
specialized formNothing ventured, nothing gained
