风险

fēng xiǎn

risk; hazard

HSK 5

Character Breakdown

Understanding 风险 (fēngxiǎn)

The word 风险 means 'risk' or 'hazard' and is commonly used in contexts involving potential danger or uncertainty, especially in finance, business, and everyday decision-making.

Usage and Nuance

When using 风险, speakers often imply the possibility of loss or harm. It is frequently paired with verbs like 评估 (assess), 控制 (control), or 承担 (bear) to discuss managing or accepting risk.

Common Collocations

  • 评估风险 (pínggū fēngxiǎn): assess risk — used when analyzing potential dangers.
  • 风险投资 (fēngxiǎn tóuzī): venture capital or risk investment — refers to investing in high-risk projects.
  • 承担风险 (chéngdān fēngxiǎn): bear risk — implies accepting responsibility for possible negative outcomes.

Register and Tone

风险 is neutral and formal, suitable for both spoken and written language, especially in professional or academic contexts.

Avoiding Confusion

Do not confuse 风险 with 危险 (wēixiǎn), which also means danger but often refers to immediate physical danger rather than abstract or financial risk.

Example Sentences

投资股票有一定的风险。

Tóuzī gǔpiào yǒu yīdìng de fēngxiǎn.

Investing in stocks carries certain risks.

我们需要评估这个项目的风险。

Wǒmen xūyào pínggū zhège xiàngmù de fēngxiǎn.

We need to assess the risks of this project.

冒险虽然有风险,但也可能带来高回报。

Màoxiǎn suīrán yǒu fēngxiǎn, dàn yě kěnéng dàilái gāo huíbào.

Although taking risks involves danger, it can also bring high returns.