asilo
“asilo” means “nursing home” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
nursing home, shelter
Also: old age home
📝 In Action
Mi abuela se mudó a un asilo donde la cuidan bien.
A2My grandmother moved to a nursing home where they take good care of her.
El asilo para niños huérfanos necesita donaciones.
B1The shelter for orphaned children needs donations.
asylum, refuge
Also: sanctuary
📝 In Action
El activista solicitó asilo político después de huir de su país.
B2The activist requested political asylum after fleeing his country.
La iglesia ofreció asilo a las familias desplazadas.
C1The church offered refuge (or sanctuary) to the displaced families.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: asilo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'asilo' in its formal, political meaning?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin *asylum*, which itself was borrowed from the ancient Greek word *ásylon*. This Greek root literally means 'inviolable' or 'a place that cannot be seized,' emphasizing the idea of a safe, sacred sanctuary.
First recorded: 15th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'asilo' the same as 'refugio'?
They are very similar synonyms, especially in the context of safety or protection. However, 'asilo' often carries a more formal, legal, or institutional weight (like 'political asylum' or 'nursing home'), while 'refugio' is often used for a more general 'shelter' or 'safe place'.
Does 'asilo' ever mean 'madhouse' or 'mental institution'?
Historically, yes, 'asilo' was used for mental institutions (similar to how 'asylum' was used in English). However, this usage is now very dated and potentially offensive. Modern Spanish uses terms like 'hospital psiquiátrico' (psychiatric hospital) instead.