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albergue

al-BER-geh/alˈbeɾɣe/

“albergue” means “hostel” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

hostel

Also: youth hostel
NounmA2
Spain
A row of simple wooden bunk beds in a bright, clean room.

📝 In Action

Dormimos en un albergue juvenil para ahorrar dinero.

A2

We slept in a youth hostel to save money.

El albergue de peregrinos tiene literas y una cocina común.

B1

The pilgrims' hostel has bunk beds and a communal kitchen.

He reservado dos plazas en el albergue del próximo pueblo.

B1

I have reserved two spots in the hostel in the next town.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • hostal (guest house)
  • posada (inn)

Antonyms

  • hotel de lujo (luxury hotel)

Common Collocations

  • albergue juvenil – youth hostel
  • albergue de peregrinos – pilgrim hostel

shelter

Also: refuge, mountain hut
NounmB1
Latin America
A small, sturdy stone cabin with a warm orange glow coming from the window, nestled in a safe valley.

📝 In Action

El ayuntamiento abrió un albergue para los afectados por la inundación.

B2

The city council opened a shelter for those affected by the flood.

Buscamos un albergue de montaña antes de que anocheciera.

B1

We looked for a mountain shelter before it got dark.

Hay un albergue de animales cerca de mi casa.

A2

There is an animal shelter near my house.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • intemperie (the elements/outdoors)

Common Collocations

  • dar albergue – to provide shelter
  • albergue de animales – animal shelter
  • albergue de montaña – mountain refuge

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "albergue" in Spanish:

hostel→mountain hut→refuge→shelter→youth hostel→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: albergue

Question 1 of 3

If you are walking the Camino de Santiago on a budget, where are you most likely to sleep?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
albergar(to house/to shelter) — Verb
albergado(guest/sheltered person) — Noun
alberguero(hostel manager) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
juerguerevergue
📚 Etymology▼

From the Gothic word 'haribergo', which combined 'hari' (army) and 'bergo' (shelter or camp). It literally meant 'a place where an army stays'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: harborFrench: aubergeGerman: Herberge

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is an 'albergue' the same as a 'hostel'?

Yes, in a travel context, it's the closest equivalent to a youth hostel with shared dormitories.

Does 'albergue' always mean it's free?

No. While social shelters might be free, travel hostels (albergues juveniles) charge a fee, though they are usually very cheap.

Can I use 'albergue' for animals?

Yes, 'albergue de animales' is a perfectly common way to say animal shelter.