refugio
/rre-FÚ-hio/
refuge
When a storm hits, a place of refuge (refugio) offers safety and protection.
refugio(noun)
refuge
?A safe place
,shelter
?Protection from weather or danger
sanctuary
?A sacred or protected place
,hideout
?A place to hide (often informal)
📝 In Action
Necesitamos encontrar un refugio antes de que empiece a llover fuerte.
A2We need to find shelter before it starts raining heavily.
El refugio de montaña estaba lleno de excursionistas.
B1The mountain hut (shelter) was full of hikers.
Millones de personas buscan refugio de la guerra en otros países.
B2Millions of people seek refuge from the war in other countries.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Refugio is always a masculine noun, so it takes the masculine articles: 'el refugio' (the refuge) or 'un refugio' (a refuge).
⭐ Usage Tips
Shelter vs. Hut
When talking about specific, simple structures, like a small cabin or a mountain hut, 'refugio' is often the correct word, especially in hiking contexts.
When someone provides emotional comfort, they offer solace (refugio).
refugio(noun)
solace
?Emotional comfort
,retreat
?A place of quiet or privacy
comfort
?A feeling of ease
📝 In Action
Su jardín secreto era su refugio contra el estrés de la ciudad.
B1Her secret garden was her refuge against the stress of the city.
Encontró refugio en el arte después de la tragedia.
B2She found solace (refuge) in art after the tragedy.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Encontrar'
When using 'refugio' in the abstract sense, it often follows verbs like 'encontrar' (to find) or 'dar' (to give), showing how someone obtains comfort.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: refugio
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'refugio' in its abstract, emotional sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'refugio' y 'albergue'?
'Refugio' is a general term for any place of safety (physical or emotional). 'Albergue' is usually a temporary communal dwelling, like a hostel, shelter for the homeless, or a lodge for travelers, often implying a shared space.
Does 'refugio' always refer to a permanent place?
No. While it can mean a permanent sanctuary, it is often used for temporary safety, like finding 'refugio' from the rain or a temporary 'refugio' for people displaced by a disaster.