perigo in 30 Seconds
- Perigo is a masculine noun meaning 'danger' or 'peril' in Portuguese.
- It is used to describe physical threats, abstract risks, and social warnings.
- Common phrases include 'correr perigo' (to be in danger) and 'estar em perigo'.
- The adjective form is 'perigoso' (dangerous), which is frequently used to describe nouns.
The word perigo is a fundamental masculine noun in Portuguese that translates directly to 'danger' or 'peril'. At its core, it represents the state of being vulnerable to harm, loss, or injury. Whether you are navigating the busy streets of Lisbon or discussing financial risks in a boardroom in São Paulo, perigo is the go-to term for signaling that something is not safe. It encompasses both physical threats and abstract risks.
- Physical Danger
- Refers to immediate threats to bodily integrity, such as a high-voltage wire or a wild animal.
- Abstract Risk
- Used for situations involving potential failure, such as the 'perigo de falência' (danger of bankruptcy).
- Social Warning
- Often used to describe people or behaviors that are considered harmful to a group.
"Cuidado! Há um perigo constante nesta estrada devido às curvas fechadas."
In Portuguese culture, the concept of perigo is often balanced with the idea of segurança (safety). Understanding this word is crucial for survival and navigation in any Lusophone country. It appears on signs, in news headlines, and in daily conversations about health, security, and personal well-being. The word implies an active state of alert; when there is perigo, one must exercise cuidado (caution).
"Não chegue perto da borda, é um perigo real de queda."
- Grammatical Gender
- Masculine (O perigo / Os perigos).
- Common Adjective
- Perigoso (Dangerous).
Historically, the word has evolved from Latin roots to signify not just a trial or test, but the negative outcome of such a test. In modern usage, it is often paired with verbs like 'correr' (to run/risk) or 'evitar' (to avoid). To 'correr perigo' is a standard idiom meaning to be in danger.
Using perigo correctly involves understanding its typical collocations and prepositional requirements. Most commonly, you will see it following the verb ser (to be) to describe a situation, or correr (to run) to describe an experience.
- Verbs of Action
- Correr perigo (to be in danger), Evitar perigo (to avoid danger), Enfrentar o perigo (to face danger).
- Prepositional Use
- 'Perigo de' is used before nouns or verbs: 'perigo de morte', 'perigo de cair'.
"As crianças não devem brincar sozinhas perto do rio; é um perigo constante."
When you want to say someone is 'in danger', the phrase is em perigo. For example, 'A espécie está em perigo de extinção' (The species is in danger of extinction). Note that in this context, 'em perigo' functions as an adverbial phrase describing the state of the subject.
"O alpinista colocou sua vida em perigo para salvar o colega."
In formal writing, perigo can be used to discuss legal liabilities or public safety protocols. In informal speech, it can be used hyperbolically: 'Aquele bolo é um perigo!' (That cake is a danger! - implying it's so good you'll eat too much of it).
You will encounter perigo in a variety of environments, ranging from high-stakes emergency situations to casual warnings. It is a high-frequency word in media, signage, and safety briefings.
- Public Signage
- Yellow or red signs with 'PERIGO' indicate high voltage, deep water, or construction zones.
- News and Media
- Reports on 'perigo iminente' (imminent danger) regarding weather events or political instability.
- Parental Warnings
- Parents frequently tell children 'Saia daí, é um perigo!' (Get out of there, it's a danger!).
"Atenção: Perigo de alta tensão. Não ultrapasse a cerca."
In the workplace, especially in industries like construction or chemistry, 'perigo' is part of the mandatory safety vocabulary (SST - Saúde e Segurança no Trabalho). You will hear it during safety drills and when discussing risk assessments.
"O médico disse que o paciente já está fora de perigo."
Even though perigo is a straightforward word, learners often make specific errors regarding gender, prepositions, and confusion with related words like 'risco'.
- Gender Confusion
- Mistakenly using 'a perigo' because it ends in 'o' but sounds abstract. Remember: O perigo.
- Perigo vs. Risco
- 'Perigo' is the source of harm; 'risco' is the probability of that harm occurring. Use 'perigo' for the threat itself.
- Preposition Errors
- Saying 'perigo para' when 'perigo de' is required for an action (e.g., 'perigo de cair').
"Errado: Ela está na perigo. Correto: Ela está em perigo."
Another common mistake is using the noun 'perigo' where the adjective 'perigoso' is needed. You cannot say 'Este animal é perigo'. You must say 'Este animal é um perigo' (metaphorical/noun use) or 'Este animal é perigoso' (adjective use).
To truly master perigo, you should understand how it relates to its synonyms and near-synonyms in the Portuguese language.
- Risco
- Often used interchangeably but implies a calculated chance. 'Risco de investimento' is more common than 'perigo de investimento'.
- Ameaça
- A threat. This implies an active intent or a specific forthcoming danger (e.g., 'ameaça de bomba').
- Insegurança
- Insecurity. Often used to describe the general state of danger in a city or neighborhood.
"O perigo é a fonte; o risco é a chance de algo dar errado."
In technical contexts, 'perigo' (hazard) and 'risco' (risk) have distinct definitions. A 'perigo' is something with the potential to cause harm, while 'risco' is the likelihood of that harm occurring. For example, a slippery floor is a perigo; the risco is that someone might fall.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Masculine noun endings in -o
Prepositional phrases with 'em'
Adjective formation with -oso
Examples by Level
O perigo está perto.
The danger is near.
Subject + verb + adverb.
Cuidado! Perigo!
Caution! Danger!
Exclamatory use.
Não é um perigo.
It is not a danger.
Negative sentence with indefinite article.
Onde está o perigo?
Where is the danger?
Interrogative sentence.
Perigo de morte.
Danger of death.
Noun + preposition + noun.
Aqui tem perigo.
There is danger here.
Usage of 'tem' as 'there is' (informal Brazilian).
O fogo é um perigo.
Fire is a danger.
Noun phrase as subject.
Pare! Perigo!
Stop! Danger!
Imperative + noun.
Você está em perigo.
You are in danger.
Verb 'estar' + preposition 'em'.
Nós corremos perigo aqui.
We are in danger here.
Verb 'correr' + noun.
O mar oferece perigo hoje.
The sea offers danger today.
Verb 'oferecer' + noun.
É um perigo para as crianças.
It is a danger for the children.
Noun + preposition 'para'.
Não vejo nenhum perigo.
I don't see any danger.
Negative with 'nenhum'.
Sinal de perigo.
Danger sign.
Noun + preposition + noun.
O perigo passou.
The danger has passed.
Past tense 'passou'.
Evite o perigo.
Avoid the danger.
Imperative verb 'evitar'.
O perigo de extinção é real.
The danger of extinction is real.
Abstract noun phrase.
Ele gosta de viver no perigo.
He likes to live in danger.
Prepositional phrase 'no perigo'.
Não há perigo de chuva hoje.
There is no danger of rain today.
Usage of 'haver' (there is).
O perigo esconde-se em todo lugar.
Danger hides everywhere.
Reflexive verb 'esconder-se'.
Ela alertou sobre o perigo iminente.
She warned about the imminent danger.
Verb 'alertar' + preposition 'sobre'.
A situação representa um perigo público.
The situation represents a public danger.
Adjective 'público' modifying 'perigo'.
Senti um perigo estranho no ar.
I felt a strange danger in the air.
Verb 'sentir' + noun + adjective.
O perigo foi ignorado por todos.
The danger was ignored by everyone.
Passive voice.
O governo ignorou o perigo das enchentes.
The government ignored the danger of floods.
Complex subject and object.
Pôr a vida em perigo não é coragem.
Putting one's life in danger is not courage.
Infinitive phrase as subject.
O perigo reside na falta de atenção.
The danger lies in the lack of attention.
Metaphorical use of 'residir'.
Apesar do perigo, eles continuaram.
Despite the danger, they continued.
Conjunction 'apesar de'.
Não podemos subestimar o perigo.
We cannot underestimate the danger.
Modal verb 'poder' + 'subestimar'.
O perigo de contágio é muito alto.
The danger of contagion is very high.
Scientific context.
Eles foram avisados do perigo potencial.
They were warned of the potential danger.
Passive voice with 'ser avisado'.
O perigo espreita a cada esquina.
Danger lurks at every corner.
Literary verb 'espreitar'.
O perigo latente da inflação preocupa os economistas.
The latent danger of inflation worries economists.
Formal economic vocabulary.
A obra retrata o perigo da desumanização.
The work portrays the danger of dehumanization.
Philosophical context.
Diante do perigo, a prudência é necessária.
In the face of danger, prudence is necessary.
Formal prepositional phrase 'diante de'.
O perigo de uma crise diplomática é evidente.
The danger of a diplomatic crisis is evident.
Political context.
O autor explora o perigo das falsas aparências.
The author explores the danger of false appearances.
Literary analysis context.
Não se deve negligenciar o perigo estrutural.
One should not neglect the structural danger.
Impersonal 'se' construction.
O perigo constante moldou o seu caráter.
The constant danger shaped his character.
Abstract psychological impact.
A mitigação do perigo é a nossa prioridade.
The mitigation of danger is our priority.
Technical noun 'mitigação'.
O perigo intrínseco à condição humana é a finitude.
The danger intrinsic to the human condition is finiteness.
High-level philosophical discourse.
A retórica política esconde um perigo insidioso.
Political rhetoric hides an insidious danger.
Sophisticated adjective 'insidioso'.
O perigo de um colapso sistêmico é imensurável.
The danger of a systemic collapse is immeasurable.
Scientific/Systemic terminology.
A poesia de Fernando Pessoa lida com o perigo do 'eu'.
Fernando Pessoa's poetry deals with the danger of the 'self'.
Literary reference.
O perigo avassalador da ignorância cega a sociedade.
The overwhelming danger of ignorance blinds society.
Metaphorical and emphatic language.
A legislação visa neutralizar qualquer perigo jurídico.
The legislation aims to neutralize any legal danger.
Legal/Formal register.
O perigo de uma regressão civilizacional é real.
The danger of a civilizational regression is real.
Sociological context.
O perigo, qual espada de Dâmocles, pairava sobre eles.
Danger, like the sword of Damocles, hung over them.
Classical allusion and complex syntax.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Risco is the probability; perigo is the source.
Prego means 'nail'. It sounds slightly similar.
Perda means 'loss'. Often associated with danger.
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Perigo is more intense than 'risco'.
Use 'em' for state (em perigo) and 'de' for cause (perigo de).
- Using 'a perigo' instead of 'o perigo'.
- Saying 'Ele é perigo' instead of 'Ele é perigoso'.
- Confusing 'perigo' with 'risco' in technical writing.
- Mispronouncing the 'r' as a hard 'h' sound (it should be a flap).
- Using 'no perigo' when 'em perigo' is more natural for a state of being.
Tips
Word Family
Learn 'perigoso' alongside 'perigo' to expand your descriptive range quickly.
Gender
Always pair 'perigo' with masculine articles like 'o', 'um', 'este', or 'esse'.
Signs
When you see a sign saying 'PERIGO', take it seriously; it usually indicates a severe risk.
Emphasis
In a warning, emphasize the 'RI' syllable to make sure you are heard clearly.
Collocations
Use 'correr perigo' instead of 'ter perigo' when talking about people.
Context
In news, 'perigo' often appears with 'iminente' (imminent) or 'público' (public).
Metaphor
Use 'um perigo' to describe things that are tempting but bad for you, like sweets.
Survival
Knowing this word is essential for reading safety labels on chemicals or electricity.
Common Phrases
Memorize 'fora de perigo' for medical contexts (out of danger).
Avoid
Don't use 'perigo' as an adjective. Use 'perigoso' instead.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Peril' in English. They share the same Latin root. 'Perigo' sounds like 'Peril-go' - when danger comes, you should go!
Word Origin
Latin
Cultural Context
Often used in the context of 'segurança pública' (public safety) in large cities.
Commonly seen on coastal signs near cliffs ('perigo de derrocada').
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"Você acha que esta cidade oferece algum perigo?"
"Qual é o maior perigo de viajar sozinho?"
"Você já correu algum perigo real na vida?"
"Como podemos evitar o perigo nas redes sociais?"
"O que você faz quando sente que há perigo por perto?"
Journal Prompts
Descreva uma situação em que você sentiu perigo.
Quais são os perigos de não aprender uma nova língua?
Escreva sobre a diferença entre perigo e aventura.
Como a tecnologia pode nos proteger do perigo?
O perigo é necessário para o crescimento pessoal?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is masculine: o perigo.
The adjective is 'perigoso' (masculine) or 'perigosa' (feminine).
You say 'em perigo'.
Perigo is the threat itself; risco is the chance of it happening.
No, it is always 'o perigo'.
The phrase is 'fora de perigo'.
Yes, you can say 'Ele é um perigo' to mean he is a dangerous person.
It means 'danger of death'.
Yes, it is a very common word for safety and warnings.
It is pronounced pe-RI-gu.
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Summary
Perigo is the essential Portuguese word for danger. Mastering its use involves knowing it is masculine ('o perigo') and understanding its common collocations with verbs like 'correr' and 'estar em', as well as its adjective form 'perigoso'.
- Perigo is a masculine noun meaning 'danger' or 'peril' in Portuguese.
- It is used to describe physical threats, abstract risks, and social warnings.
- Common phrases include 'correr perigo' (to be in danger) and 'estar em perigo'.
- The adjective form is 'perigoso' (dangerous), which is frequently used to describe nouns.
Word Family
Learn 'perigoso' alongside 'perigo' to expand your descriptive range quickly.
Gender
Always pair 'perigo' with masculine articles like 'o', 'um', 'este', or 'esse'.
Signs
When you see a sign saying 'PERIGO', take it seriously; it usually indicates a severe risk.
Emphasis
In a warning, emphasize the 'RI' syllable to make sure you are heard clearly.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More general words
a cerca de
B1About; approximately.
à direita
A2To the right side.
à esquerda
A2To the left side.
a fim de
A2in order to
à frente
A2In front of.
a frente
A2At or toward the front.
À frente de
A2In front of
a tempo
A2on time, punctually
à volta de
A2Around.
abaixo
A1At a lower level or layer than; below.
