refugiado
“refugiado” means “refugee” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
refugee
Also: exile
📝 In Action
El refugiado solicitó asilo político al llegar a la frontera.
B1The refugee requested political asylum upon arriving at the border.
Muchos refugiados sueñan con volver a sus hogares algún día.
B1Many refugees dream of returning to their homes one day.
El centro de acogida ayuda a cada refugiado con comida y ropa.
B2The reception center helps every refugee with food and clothing.
sheltered
Also: taking refuge
📝 In Action
Estábamos refugiados bajo el techo mientras granizaba.
B1We were sheltered under the roof while it was hailing.
El gato herido se mantenía refugiado detrás de los arbustos.
B2The injured cat remained sheltered behind the bushes.
Se sentía refugiado en los brazos de su madre.
C1He felt sheltered in his mother's arms.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: refugiado
Question 1 of 3
What is a 'campo de refugiados'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'refugium', which comes from 're-' (back) and 'fugere' (to flee). It literally means 'a place to run back to' for protection.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'refugiado' and 'inmigrante'?
An 'inmigrante' (immigrant) generally chooses to move for work or lifestyle, while a 'refugiado' is forced to flee due to war, persecution, or danger.
Can 'refugiado' be a verb?
Yes, it is the 'past participle' (the form used for finished actions) of the verb 'refugiar'. You use it in sentences like 'He refugiado a mi perro' (I have sheltered my dog).
Does 'refugiado' only apply to politics?
While often used in politics, it can also describe anyone finding safety, such as being 'refugiado' under an umbrella during a storm.