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B1 noun #2,200 most common 6 min read

风险

fēngxiǎn
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 风险 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 风险 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you can think of 风险 (fēngxiǎn) simply as 'something bad that might happen.' While it is a bit advanced for absolute beginners, you might see it in simple signs or hear it in basic warnings. It is like the word 'danger' but used for things like money or health. For example, if you play a game and might lose your points, that is a 'risk.' You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet. Just remember that '风' is wind and '险' is danger. Imagine a big wind that might blow your hat away—that is a simple way to remember the feeling of 风险. In A1, we focus on the fact that 风险 is a noun. You can say '有风险' (there is risk) or '没有风险' (there is no risk). It is a useful word to know when you start learning about shopping or going to the doctor in China.
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At the A2 level, you should start to understand that 风险 (fēngxiǎn) is different from 危险 (wēixiǎn). While 危险 is for things like a fast car or a fire, 风险 is used for situations where you make a choice. For example, if you buy a very cheap phone from a stranger, there is a 风险 that it might not work. You can use simple phrases like '风险很大' (the risk is big) or '风险很小' (the risk is small). You will also see this word in basic news stories about the weather or simple health tips. Learning this word helps you express uncertainty. Instead of just saying 'I don't know,' you can say '这有风险' (this has risk), which sounds more natural and advanced. You are beginning to talk about the future and possibilities, and 风险 is a key word for that.
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At the B1 level, 风险 (fēngxiǎn) becomes a very important word for discussing topics like work, travel, and personal finance. You should be able to use it with common verbs. For example, '承担风险' (to bear risk) or '降低风险' (to reduce risk). At this level, you are expected to describe your opinions on various topics. If someone asks you about investing in the stock market, you can say, '虽然可以赚钱，但是风险也很大' (Although you can make money, the risk is also very large). You will also encounter 风险 in professional environments. If you are working in an office, your boss might talk about the '风险' of a new project. You should understand that 风险 is not just a 'bad thing' but a 'possibility of a bad thing' that needs to be managed. This level is about moving from simple descriptions to more logical explanations.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 风险 (fēngxiǎn) in abstract and complex discussions. You will use it to talk about social issues, economic trends, and environmental problems. You should know more formal collocations like '规避风险' (to avoid/evade risk) and '风险评估' (risk assessment). You can participate in debates where you weigh the '风险' against the '收益' (shōuyì - profit/benefit). For example, '在追求经济增长的同时，我们不能忽视环境风险' (While pursuing economic growth, we cannot ignore environmental risks). At this stage, you should also be able to recognize the word in formal documents, such as insurance contracts or legal warnings. Your understanding should include the idea of 'risk management' as a strategic concept. You are no longer just using the word; you are using it to build complex arguments.
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At the C1 level, your use of 风险 (fēngxiǎn) should be nuanced and precise. You will use it in academic or highly professional contexts. You should be familiar with specialized terms like '系统性风险' (systemic risk), '法律风险' (legal risk), and '信用风险' (credit risk). You can discuss the philosophy of risk—how different cultures or individuals perceive and react to uncertainty. You should be able to write detailed reports analyzing the '风险因素' (risk factors) of a complex situation. Your vocabulary will include synonyms like '隐患' or '不确定性,' and you will know exactly when to choose 风险 over them to convey a specific meaning. At this level, you can also use 风险 in idiomatic or metaphorical ways to add color to your speech, such as '冒天下之大不韪' (taking a huge risk by defying the world), though the word 风险 itself remains the core technical term.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 风险 (fēngxiǎn). You can use it to discuss macro-economic theories, complex geopolitical strategies, and deep philosophical questions about human existence and uncertainty. You understand the subtle connotations of the word in different historical periods and literary contexts. You can effortlessly switch between formal technical usage and colloquial metaphors. You might analyze how the concept of 风险 has shaped modern governance and international law. Your speech and writing will show a sophisticated grasp of how to qualify risk—using adverbs and adjectives to describe the exact nature, scope, and probability of the risk involved. You are capable of interpreting the 'fine print' of any complex situation, identifying the '风险' that others might miss. For you, 风险 is not just a word; it is a lens through which you can analyze the world.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

风险 in 30 Seconds

  • 风险 (fēngxiǎn) means 'risk' or 'possibility of loss'.
  • It is commonly used in business, finance, and health contexts.
  • It differs from 危险 (danger) by focusing on probability rather than immediate threat.
  • Common verbs include 承担 (bear), 评估 (assess), and 规避 (avoid).

The term 风险 (fēngxiǎn) is a cornerstone of modern Chinese, representing the concept of 'risk' in its most comprehensive sense. Etymologically, it is composed of two characters: 风 (fēng) meaning 'wind' and 险 (xiǎn) meaning 'danger' or 'obstruction'. Historically, this term evoked the image of sailors facing unpredictable winds and treacherous waters, where the outcome was uncertain and potentially harmful. In contemporary usage, it has evolved from this physical imagery into a sophisticated abstract noun used across finance, medicine, technology, and daily decision-making.

Core Concept
The probability of an unfavorable outcome or the uncertainty associated with a specific action.
Semantic Range
Covers everything from financial loss to health complications and social repercussions.

"投资总是伴随着一定的风险。" (Investment always comes with a certain level of risk.)

Unlike the word 危险 (wēixiǎn), which implies an immediate and direct physical threat, 风险 is more about the calculation of probability. It is something that can be managed, assessed, and sometimes even embraced for a potential reward. In a professional context, you will often hear it paired with verbs like 评估 (evaluate) or 规避 (avoid).

"任何重大的决定都包含风险。" (Any major decision contains risk.)

In the digital age, we see terms like 'Cybersecurity Risk' (网络安全风险) and 'Data Risk' (数据风险) becoming part of everyday vocabulary. The word has transitioned from the high seas to the high-tech boardrooms of Shanghai and Beijing.

Using 风险 correctly requires understanding its common collocations. As a noun, it often serves as the object of specific verbs that describe how one interacts with uncertainty. The most common verb-noun pairings include 承担风险 (to bear/take a risk), 降低风险 (to reduce risk), and 评估风险 (to assess risk).

Verb Collocations
承担 (Chéngdān) - To bear; 规避 (Guībì) - To avoid; 抵御 (Dǐyù) - To resist.
Adjective Modifiers
高 (Gāo) - High; 低 (Dī) - Low; 潜在 (Qiánzài) - Potential; 巨大 (Jùdà) - Huge.

"我们必须学会如何规避风险。" (We must learn how to avoid risks.)

Grammatically, 风险 can also function as a modifier for other nouns, creating compound terms like 风险投资 (Venture Capital) or 风险管理 (Risk Management). When used in a sentence, it typically follows the subject-verb-object structure, but it can also be part of a prepositional phrase, such as '在...的风险下' (under the risk of...).

In formal writing, especially in business reports or academic papers, 风险 is often quantified. You might see phrases like '风险系数' (risk coefficient) or '风险等级' (risk level). This highlights the word's association with logic and analysis rather than just raw fear.

You will encounter 风险 in a variety of settings, ranging from the evening news to the fine print of a bank contract. In the financial world, it is perhaps the most frequently used word. News anchors discussing the stock market will often mention 市场风险 (market risk) or 金融风险 (financial risk).

"股市有风险，入市需谨慎。" (The stock market has risks; entering requires caution.) - A standard disclaimer in China.

In a medical context, doctors use 风险 to explain the potential complications of a surgery. A patient might be told, '手术有一定的风险' (The surgery has certain risks). This usage is professional and objective, aiming to inform the patient of possibilities without causing unnecessary panic.

Daily Life
Insurance policies, health warnings, and weather alerts.
Professional Life
Project management meetings, legal contracts, and strategic planning.

Interestingly, the word is also common in sports and adventure. When discussing extreme sports like rock climbing or skydiving, commentators will talk about the '风险因素' (risk factors) involved. Even in social situations, one might say '冒着风险' (taking a risk) to describe doing something socially daring, like speaking truth to power.

The most frequent error learners make is confusing 风险 (fēngxiǎn) with 危险 (wēixiǎn). While both relate to danger, their usage is distinct. 危险 usually refers to a physical threat that is present and immediate. For example, standing on the edge of a cliff is 危险. 风险, however, refers to the statistical possibility of loss or failure. Investing in a new company is a 风险.

Wrong: 这个地方很风险。 (This place is very risk.)

Right: 这个地方很危险。 (This place is very dangerous.)

Another common mistake is the incorrect choice of verbs. English speakers might say 'take a risk,' and while 冒风险 (mào fēngxiǎn) is a direct translation, in formal business contexts, 承担风险 (chéngdān fēngxiǎn) is often more appropriate. Using '做风险' (do risk) is incorrect; one should use '评估' (assess) or '管理' (manage).

Mistake 1
Using 风险 as an adjective. (Correction: Use 很有风险 or 风险很大).
Mistake 2
Confusing it with '危机' (crisis). A crisis is an active disaster; a risk is a potential one.

Finally, learners often forget that 风险 is a neutral-to-negative term. While you can 'embrace risk' (拥抱风险) in a motivational sense, the word itself usually points toward a negative outcome that one tries to minimize.

To master 风险, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different nuance that changes the tone of your sentence.

危险 (Wēixiǎn)
Physical danger or a high probability of immediate harm. Focuses on the state of being unsafe.
危机 (Wēijī)
A crisis or a turning point. It implies that the 'risk' has already manifested into a serious problem.
隐患 (Yǐnhuàn)
A hidden danger or a 'ticking time bomb'. Something that isn't a problem yet but could become one.

"我们要排除安全隐患，降低事故风险。" (We must eliminate hidden safety hazards and reduce the risk of accidents.)

There is also 险情 (xiǎnqíng), which specifically refers to a dangerous situation, often used in the context of natural disasters like floods or fires. While 风险 is abstract, 险情 is concrete and situational.

In a business context, you might hear 不确定性 (bù quèdìngxìng - uncertainty). While related, uncertainty is broader; risk is uncertainty that has been identified and categorized.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Using '虽然...但是...' to contrast risk and reward.

Using '由于' to explain the source of risk.

Using '为了' to explain why one takes a risk.

Noun-modifier structures with '的'.

Resultative complements with verbs like '降低'.

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Examples by Level

1

这里没有风险。

There is no risk here.

Subject + 没有 + Noun

2

这个游戏有风险吗？

Is there a risk in this game?

Question with 吗

3

风险很大。

The risk is very big.

Noun + 很 + Adjective

4

我不喜欢风险。

I don't like risk.

Subject + 不喜欢 + Noun

5

什么是风险？

What is risk?

Basic question structure

6

这有一点风险。

There is a little risk here.

有一点 + Noun

7

小心风险。

Watch out for risks.

Imperative sentence

8

风险在外面。

The risk is outside.

Location structure

1

买便宜的东西有风险。

Buying cheap things has risks.

Verb phrase as subject

2

医生说手术有风险。

The doctor said the surgery has risks.

Reported speech

3

我们要减少风险。

We need to reduce risks.

Auxiliary verb 要 + Verb

4

这个计划风险太高了。

The risk of this plan is too high.

太...了 structure

5

别担心，风险很小。

Don't worry, the risk is small.

Negative imperative 别

6

他不想承担任何风险。

He doesn't want to take any risks.

任何 (any) + Noun

7

你知道风险是什么吗？

Do you know what the risk is?

Embedded question

8

天气不好，开车有风险。

The weather is bad; driving has risks.

Cause and effect

1

投资股票需要承担一定的风险。

Investing in stocks requires bearing a certain amount of risk.

一定的 (a certain) + Noun

2

在做决定之前，我们要评估风险。

Before making a decision, we need to assess the risks.

在...之前 (before...)

3

这种新药的风险还不清楚。

The risks of this new medicine are not yet clear.

还 (yet) + Negative

4

为了成功，他愿意冒风险。

For success, he is willing to take risks.

为了 (for the sake of)

5

保险可以帮助我们降低风险。

Insurance can help us reduce risks.

帮助 + Person + Verb

6

创业的风险通常比打工高。

The risk of starting a business is usually higher than working for someone.

Comparison with 比

7

我们需要一个风险管理计划。

We need a risk management plan.

Compound noun

8

虽然有风险，但我还是想试试。

Although there are risks, I still want to try.

虽然...但是... (although... but...)

1

全球变暖带来了巨大的环境风险。

Global warming has brought huge environmental risks.

带来 (bring about) + Noun

2

公司正在努力规避法律风险。

The company is working hard to avoid legal risks.

正在 (in the process of)

3

高收益往往伴随着高风险。

High returns are often accompanied by high risks.

伴随着 (accompanied by)

4

我们需要提高员工的风险意识。

We need to improve employees' risk awareness.

提高 (improve) + Noun

5

这个项目的风险是可以控制的。

The risk of this project is controllable.

是...的 structure

6

由于市场波动，投资风险增加了。

Due to market fluctuations, investment risk has increased.

由于 (due to)

7

在不确定的环境中，风险无处不在。

In an uncertain environment, risk is everywhere.

无处不在 (ubiquitous)

8

他因冒风险而获得了成功。

He achieved success by taking risks.

因...而... (because of... then...)

1

银行必须建立完善的风险预警系统。

Banks must establish a complete risk early-warning system.

完善的 (complete/perfect) as modifier

2

这种策略旨在最大限度地降低潜在风险。

This strategy aims to minimize potential risks to the greatest extent.

旨在 (aims to)

3

网络安全风险已成为国家安全的重要组成部分。

Cybersecurity risk has become an important part of national security.

成为...的组成部分

4

投资者需要对各种风险进行综合分析。

Investors need to conduct a comprehensive analysis of various risks.

对...进行 (conduct... towards)

5

风险与机遇往往是并存的。

Risk and opportunity often coexist.

并存 (coexist)

6

该政策的实施可能引发连锁反应式的风险。

The implementation of this policy may trigger chain-reaction risks.

引发 (trigger)

7

企业应具备抵御系统性风险的能力。

Enterprises should have the ability to resist systemic risks.

具备...的能力

8

在评估风险时，不能只看眼前的利益。

When assessing risk, one cannot only look at immediate interests.

在...时 (when...)

1

在全球化背景下，风险的传播具有跨国界性。

In the context of globalization, the spread of risk is transnational.

具有...性 (possess the quality of)

2

风险社会的到来要求我们重新审视现代性。

The arrival of the risk society requires us to re-examine modernity.

要求 (require) + Clause

3

道德风险是金融危机中一个不可忽视的因素。

Moral hazard is a factor that cannot be ignored in financial crises.

不可忽视 (cannot be ignored)

4

对风险的过度规避可能会抑制创新。

Excessive avoidance of risk may stifle innovation.

抑制 (stifle/suppress)

5

风险的本质在于其不可预测性。

The essence of risk lies in its unpredictability.

在于 (lies in)

6

我们需要在风险与安全之间寻找微妙的平衡。

We need to find a delicate balance between risk and safety.

在...之间 (between...)

7

制度性风险往往比技术性风险更难防范。

Institutional risks are often harder to prevent than technical risks.

更难 (harder to)

8

风险的量化分析是现代精算科学的核心。

The quantitative analysis of risk is the core of modern actuarial science.

的核心 (the core of)

Common Collocations

承担风险
评估风险
规避风险
降低风险
分散风险
潜在风险
巨大风险
法律风险
金融风险
风险管理

Common Phrases

冒风险
有风险
高风险
低风险
风险投资
风险意识
风险控制
风险评估
风险因素
风险等级

Often Confused With

风险 vs 危险

Physical danger vs abstract risk.

风险 vs 危机

Potential problem vs current disaster.

风险 vs 隐患

Probability vs hidden existing threat.

Idioms & Expressions

"铤而走险"
"转危为安"
"居安思危"
"如履薄冰"
"临深履薄"
"孤注一掷"
"险象环生"
"危如累卵"
"千钧一发"
"化险为夷"

Easily Confused

风险 vs

风险 vs

风险 vs

风险 vs

风险 vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

nuance

风险 is often neutral in technical contexts but negative in general usage.

formality

Highly formal; used in news and documents.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 风险 as an adjective.
  • Confusing 风险 with 危险.
  • Using '做风险' instead of '评估风险'.
  • Forgetting the third tone on 险.
  • Using 风险 to describe a physical accident that already happened.

Tips

Learn Collocations

Always learn 风险 with verbs like 承担 and 评估.

Noun Only

Remember that 风险 is a noun, not an adjective.

Disclaimer

Recognize the stock market disclaimer used in China.

Tone Accuracy

Practice the 1-3 tone combination.

Formal Context

Use 风险 in business reports for professional tone.

Context Clues

If you hear money mentioned, it's likely 风险, not 危险.

Compound Words

Look for 风险 in compounds like 风险管理.

Contrast

Contrast 风险 with 收益 (reward) in your sentences.

Visual Aid

Imagine a wind blowing a coin off a cliff.

Probability

Associate 风险 with math and statistics.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Combination of 'wind' (风) and 'danger/steepness' (险).

Cultural Context

Younger generations are increasingly willing to 'take risks' (冒风险) compared to older generations.

In Chinese business, discussing risk management is seen as a sign of maturity and professionalism.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你觉得投资股票的风险大吗？"

"在你的工作中，最大的风险是什么？"

"你是一个愿意冒风险的人吗？"

"我们该如何降低生活的风险？"

"你认为人工智能会带来哪些风险？"

Journal Prompts

写一次你冒风险的经历。

讨论你对‘风险与机遇’的看法。

如果你可以规避一个人生风险，那会是什么？

分析你目前面临的一个风险。

描述一个没有风险的世界会是什么样子。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

风险是概率，危险是直接的威胁。

不可以，应该说‘很有风险’或‘风险很大’。

‘冒风险’侧重于行动，‘承担风险’侧重于责任。

通常是中性偏贬义。

通常指资产价值波动的可能性。

Risk or hazard.

Venture Capital.

通常只能降低或规避，很难完全消除。

To take a desperate risk.

识别、评估、应对和监控。

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