santuario
/san-TWAH-ree-oh/
sanctuary
This image shows a religious building, visualizing 'santuario' as a holy site.
santuario(noun)
sanctuary
?religious building or holy site
,shrine
?a place of worship
holy place
?general term
📝 In Action
Millones de personas visitan el santuario cada año.
B1Millions of people visit the sanctuary every year.
Construyeron un pequeño santuario en honor a la virgen.
B2They built a small shrine in honor of the virgin.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though it ends in '-o', remember that 'santuario' is a masculine noun, so you always use 'el' or 'un' before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Pronouncing the 'u'
Mistake: "Pronouncing it as four separate syllables: 'san-tu-a-rio'."
Correction: The 'u' and 'a' blend together to form a quick sound (a diphthong) in the middle: 'san-TWAH-rio'. This makes it three syllables.
⭐ Usage Tips
When to use 'Santuario'
Use this word specifically for a place considered sacred or holy, usually related to a pilgrimage or special religious event, not just a standard church.
A place of refuge or safety, like this protected shelter, is another meaning of 'santuario'.
santuario(noun)
sanctuary
?a place of refuge, safety, or protection
,haven
?a safe place
refuge
?a place to escape danger
,reserve
?wildlife protection area
📝 In Action
Este parque es un santuario de vida silvestre, prohibida la caza.
B2This park is a wildlife sanctuary; hunting is prohibited.
La biblioteca era su santuario personal, lejos del ruido de la ciudad.
C1The library was her personal sanctuary, far from the noise of the city.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
You can use 'santuario' metaphorically for any place where you feel completely safe, calm, or protected, like a favorite room or a quiet garden.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When talking about nature, 'santuario' usually means a protected area where animals or plants are safe, like a 'wildlife reserve' in English.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: santuario
Question 1 of 2
¿Cuál es el mejor sinónimo para 'santuario' cuando hablamos de una zona protegida para animales?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'santuario' only used for Catholic churches?
No. While often associated with Catholic pilgrimage sites, 'santuario' can refer to any place considered holy or sacred in a general sense, or simply a place of deep refuge, regardless of religion.
Can I use 'santuario' for a small, private chapel?
Yes, if the chapel is considered a particularly sacred or special place of devotion, 'santuario' is appropriate. It often implies a high degree of reverence or importance.