atreverse
/a.tɾeˈβeɾ.se/
Definition
To dare or have the courage to do something, especially something scary or difficult.
Example
Por fin me atreví a hablar en público.
Show translation
I finally dared to speak in public.
Etymology
From Old Spanish *atrever*, derived from Vulgar Latin *attribuere* (to entrust, to assign), via a sense shift toward "entrusting oneself" to a risky action. The reflexive *-se* is essential: it is always a pronominal verb in modern Spanish, meaning one "dares oneself" into something.
Cultural note
*¿Te atreves?* ("Do you dare?") is a classic playground challenge in Spanish-speaking cultures, much like the English "I dare you." The verb also appears in the beloved phrase *"El que no se atreve, no pasa el mar"* — roughly "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" — showing how deeply the concept of daring is woven into Spanish proverbial wisdom.