Inklingo
← Dictionary

abrigo

ah-BREE-goh/aˈβɾi.ɣo/

“abrigo” means “coat” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

coat, overcoat

NounmA1
A thick, warm red winter coat with large buttons hanging on a simple wooden wall hook.

📝 In Action

Necesito un abrigo nuevo para el invierno.

A1

I need a new coat for the winter.

Dejé mi abrigo olvidado en el restaurante.

A2

I left my coat forgotten in the restaurant.

Este abrigo de lana es muy calentito.

B1

This wool coat is very warm.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • chaqueta (jacket)
  • gabán (heavy overcoat (often formal))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • ponerse el abrigo – to put on one's coat
  • quitarse el abrigo – to take off one's coat

shelter, protection

Also: refuge
NounmB1
A simple wooden lean-to structure built against a large tree trunk in a vibrant green forest, providing a dry place of refuge.

📝 In Action

Buscaron abrigo de la tormenta bajo un árbol.

B1

They sought shelter from the storm under a tree.

La organización ofrece abrigo a las personas sin hogar.

B2

The organization offers shelter (or refuge) to homeless people.

Encontró abrigo en los brazos de su familia.

C1

He found protection (or solace) in the arms of his family.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • desamparo (helplessness/abandonment)

Common Collocations

  • dar abrigo – to provide shelter
  • al abrigo de – under the shelter of

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "abrigo" in Spanish:

coat→overcoat→protection→refuge→shelter→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: abrigo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'abrigo' to mean physical protection rather than clothing?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
abrigar(to shelter, to keep warm) — Verb
abrigado(warmly dressed, sheltered) — Adjective
desabrigarse(to take off warm clothes) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the verb *abrigar*, which itself traces back to the Gothic word *brikan* (meaning 'to cover' or 'to protect'). The connection between covering yourself and staying warm is very direct.

First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: abrigoCatalan: abric

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'abrigo' also a verb?

Yes, 'abrigo' is also the 'yo' (I) form of the present tense of the verb 'abrigar,' which means 'to shelter,' 'to cover,' or 'to keep warm.' For example: 'Yo me abrigo mucho en invierno' (I bundle up a lot in winter).

How do I know if 'abrigo' means 'coat' or 'shelter'?

Context is key! If the sentence mentions cold, winter, or garments, it means 'coat.' If the sentence involves storms, danger, or seeking refuge, it means 'shelter' or 'protection.'