santuario
“santuario” means “sanctuary” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
sanctuary, shrine
Also: holy place
📝 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.
sanctuary, haven
Also: refuge, reserve
📝 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.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: santuario
Question 1 of 2
¿Cuál es el mejor sinónimo para 'santuario' cuando hablamos de una zona protegida para animales?
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👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *sanctuarium*, which meant 'a holy place' or 'a sacred enclosure.' It is built on the Latin root *sanctus*, meaning 'holy' or 'sacred.'
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
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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.