orfanato

or-fa-NA-to/oɾfaˈnato/

“orfanato” means “orphanage” in Spanish (a home for children whose parents have died or cannot care for them).

orphanage

Also: children's home

NounmB1

Mexico

A large, friendly brick building with many windows and a playground where children are playing together in the yard.

📝 In Action

El antiguo orfanato fue convertido en una escuela de música.

The old orphanage was converted into a music school.

Muchos niños en el orfanato esperan ser adoptados por una familia cariñosa.

Many children in the orphanage hope to be adopted by a loving family.

Word Connections

Synonyms

orfanatorio (orphanage (common in some Latin American countries))
hospicio (poorhouse or orphanage (older term))

Common Collocations

orfanato estatal – state-run orphanage
crecer en un orfanato – to grow up in an orphanage

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "orfanato" in Spanish:

children's home→orphanage→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: orfanato

Question 1 of 1

Which word refers to the BUILDING where orphans live?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

huérfano(orphan) — Noun

orfandad(orphanhood (the state of being an orphan)) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

zapato gato plato

📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word 'orphanus', which itself came from a Greek word meaning 'deprived' or 'bereft'. The suffix '-ato' is added in Spanish to indicate a place or an institution.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: orphanageFrench: orphelinatItalian: orfanotrofio

💡 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 'orfanato' a common word in daily life?

Not really. Unless you are discussing history, movies, or social work, you won't hear it every day. However, it is an essential word for reading books or watching news.

What is the feminine version of 'orfanato'?

There isn't one. Places/buildings in Spanish have one fixed gender, and 'orfanato' is always masculine.