Inklingo

How to Say "shelter" in Spanish

English → Spanish

refugio

/rre-FÚ-hio//reˈfu.xjo/

nounA2general
Use 'refugio' when you need protection from bad weather or a dangerous situation.
A small, sturdy wooden cabin sits safely inside a cave opening while heavy rain falls outside, illustrating a place of refuge.

Examples

Necesitamos encontrar un refugio antes de que empiece a llover fuerte.

We need to find shelter before it starts raining heavily.

El refugio de montaña estaba lleno de excursionistas.

The mountain hut (shelter) was full of hikers.

Millones de personas buscan refugio de la guerra en otros países.

Millions of people seek refuge from the war in other countries.

Masculine Noun Rule

Refugio is always a masculine noun, so it takes the masculine articles: 'el refugio' (the refuge) or 'un refugio' (a refuge).

abrigo

ah-BREE-goh/aˈβɾi.ɣo/

nounB1general
Choose 'abrigo' when referring to a place that provides refuge or protection, especially from the elements.
A simple wooden lean-to structure built against a large tree trunk in a vibrant green forest, providing a dry place of refuge.

Examples

Buscaron abrigo de la tormenta bajo un árbol.

They sought shelter from the storm under a tree.

La organización ofrece abrigo a las personas sin hogar.

The organization offers shelter (or refuge) to homeless people.

Encontró abrigo en los brazos de su familia.

He found protection (or solace) in the arms of his family.

Formal Usage

This meaning is often used in formal writing or when talking about concepts like safety and charity, rather than everyday conversation.

posada

/po-SAH-dah//poˈsaða/

nounA2general
Use 'posada' when you are looking for a place to rest or stay overnight, like an inn or a guesthouse.
A cozy, small stone building with a warm glowing lantern hanging by the wooden door.

Examples

Buscamos una posada para pasar la noche.

We are looking for an inn to spend the night.

La posada del pueblo es muy acogedora.

The town's guesthouse is very cozy.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine, so use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Posada vs. Hotel

Mistake: “Using 'posada' for a large, modern building.”

Correction: Use 'hotel' for modern places and 'posada' for smaller, traditional, or rustic places.

asilo

/ah-SEE-loh//aˈsilo/

nounA2formal
Select 'asilo' for a specific type of institution that offers protection and care, such as a nursing home or a political asylum.
A colorful, inviting house designed for the elderly, featuring a ramp and a smiling older woman sitting comfortably on the front porch.

Examples

Mi abuela se mudó a un asilo donde la cuidan bien.

My grandmother moved to a nursing home where they take good care of her.

El asilo para niños huérfanos necesita donaciones.

The shelter for orphaned children needs donations.

Masculine Noun Rule

Remember that 'asilo' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el asilo'.

Refugio vs. Abrigo

Learners often confuse 'refugio' and 'abrigo'. While both offer protection, 'refugio' is more general for weather or danger, whereas 'abrigo' often implies a more specific place of refuge, like a cozy spot or a garment providing warmth.

Related Translations

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