Danger vs. péril
The French words 'danger' and 'péril' both convey the notion of risk or hazard, but they are used in slightly different contexts. Understanding these nuances can improve clarity and precision in communication.
Danger
A generic term for a situation or element that represents a potential risk to safety, health, or well-being.
Attention, traversée de la route peut présenter un danger.
(Be careful, crossing the road can present a danger.)
Le danger de l'électricité est souvent sous-estimé.
(The danger of electricity is often underestimated.)
Ce produit chimique représente un danger pour l'environnement.
(This chemical poses a danger to the environment.)
Péril
A word that implies imminent and severe risk, often suggesting a life-threatening situation. It carries a sense of urgency and criticalness.
Les sauveteurs se sont exposés à un grand péril pour sauver les naufragés.
(The rescuers exposed themselves to great peril to save the shipwrecked victims.)
En escaladant sans équipement, ils se mettent en péril.
(By climbing without equipment, they are putting themselves in peril.)
La maison est en péril à cause des glissements de terrain fréquents dans la région.
(The house is in peril due to frequent landslides in the region.)
Summary
While both 'danger' and 'péril' refer to concepts of risk, 'danger' is more commonly used for a general sense of potential harm in various degrees, whereas 'péril' usually signifies an immediate and serious threat that could be life-endangering. Contextual usage of these terms can enhance the expressiveness and specificity of the French language.