The Italian word “pericolo” means “danger” or “peril” in English. It is used to describe a situation, condition, or thing that may cause harm, risk, or trouble.
You may see pericolo on warning signs, safety notices, movies, books, or everyday Italian conversations. The word is commonly associated with danger, threats, and unsafe situations.
Understanding pericolo meaning in English helps learners recognize important Italian safety words and expressions.
Quick Answer
Pericolo means “danger” or “peril” in English. It is an Italian noun used to describe a risk, threat, or unsafe situation.
Pericolo Meaning: Word-by-Word
| Italian Word | English Meaning | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pericolo | Danger / peril / risk | Noun |
Example:
Pericolo!
English:
Danger!
This word is often used as a warning.
Pericolo as “Danger”
The most common translation of pericolo is danger.
Example:
C’è un pericolo.
English:
There is a danger.
It tells someone that a harmful situation exists.
More examples:
Il fuoco è un pericolo.
= Fire is a danger.
La strada è pericolosa.
= The road is dangerous.
Pericolo on Warning Signs
In Italy, pericolo appears on signs and safety warnings.
Examples:
Pericolo! Alta tensione
English:
Danger! High voltage
Pericolo di caduta
English:
Danger of falling
These warnings alert people about possible risks.
Pericolo vs Pericoloso: Difference
Many learners confuse these two Italian words.
| Word | English Meaning | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Pericolo | Danger | Noun |
| Pericoloso | Dangerous | Adjective |
Examples:
Il pericolo è reale.
= The danger is real.
Il cane è pericoloso.
= The dog is dangerous.
A simple rule:
- Pericolo = a danger
- Pericoloso = dangerous
Pericolo vs Rischio: Difference
Both words relate to danger, but they are slightly different.
| Word | Meaning | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Pericolo | Danger | Possible harm or threat |
| Rischio | Risk | Possibility of loss or harm |
Example:
Il fuoco è un pericolo.
= Fire is a danger.
C’è il rischio di perdere tempo.
= There is a risk of wasting time.
How Do You Pronounce Pericolo?
A simple English pronunciation guide:
peh-REE-koh-loh
Breakdown:
- pe = peh
- ri = ree
- co = koh
- lo = loh
The stress is usually on the second syllable:
pe-RI-colo
Is Pericolo Formal or Informal?
Pericolo is a standard Italian word used in both formal and informal situations.
It appears in:
- safety instructions
- official signs
- news reports
- everyday conversations
- literature
It is not slang.
Common Expressions With Pericolo
Pericolo di morte
Meaning:
Danger of death
Example:
Zona con pericolo di morte.
= Area with danger of death.
In pericolo
Meaning:
In danger
Example:
L’animale è in pericolo.
= The animal is in danger.
Mettere in pericolo
Meaning:
To put in danger
Example:
Non mettere gli altri in pericolo.
= Do not put others in danger.
Correre un pericolo
Meaning:
To face a danger
Example:
Ha corso un grande pericolo.
= He faced a great danger.
Examples of Pericolo in Sentences
| Italian Sentence | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Il bambino è in pericolo. | The child is in danger. |
| Questo è un grande pericolo. | This is a great danger. |
| Attenzione, pericolo! | Attention, danger! |
| Il mare può essere un pericolo. | The sea can be dangerous. |
| Il cartello indica un pericolo. | The sign indicates a danger. |
Related Italian Words
Pericoloso
Meaning:
Dangerous
Rischio
Meaning:
Risk
Attenzione
Meaning:
Attention / warning
Sicurezza
Meaning:
Safety
Paura
Meaning:
Fear
Common Mistakes About Pericolo
Mistake 1: Using pericolo as an adjective
Incorrect:
Un cane pericolo
Correct:
Un cane pericoloso
Meaning:
A dangerous dog.
Mistake 2: Confusing danger and dangerous
Remember:
- Pericolo = thing or situation that creates harm
- Pericoloso = describes something harmful
Mistake 3: Translating every situation as “risk”
Sometimes danger is the better translation because it refers to an actual threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pericolo mean in English?
Pericolo means “danger” or “peril” in English.
What language is pericolo?
Pericolo is an Italian word.
Is pericolo a noun or adjective?
Pericolo is a noun meaning danger. The adjective form is pericoloso, meaning dangerous.
What does pericolo di morte mean?
Pericolo di morte means “danger of death” in English.
How do you pronounce pericolo?
Pericolo is pronounced approximately peh-REE-koh-loh.
What is the difference between pericolo and rischio?
Pericolo means danger or threat, while rischio means risk or possibility of harm.
Mini Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
1. What does pericolo mean?
A) Safety
B) Danger
C) Happiness
D) Friend
Answer: B) Danger
2. Which word means dangerous?
A) Pericolo
B) Pericoloso
C) Sicurezza
D) Attenzione
Answer: B) Pericoloso
3. What language does pericolo come from?
A) Italian
B) Spanish
C) German
D) French
Answer: A) Italian
4. What does “in pericolo” mean?
A) Safe
B) In danger
C) Very happy
D) Finished
Answer: B) In danger
Conclusion
Pericolo means “danger” or “peril” in English. This Italian word is used to describe threats, unsafe situations, and possible harm.
Whether you see it on a warning sign, hear it in a conversation, or read it in Italian text, understanding pericolo helps you recognize important safety-related language. The related adjective pericoloso means “dangerous,” which makes the difference easy to remember.
