How to Say "shelter" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “shelter” is “refugio” — use this for a general place offering protection from weather or danger, like a storm or cold.
refugio
rre-FÚ-hioreˈfu.xjo
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-gohaˈβɾi.ɣo
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.
albergue
al-BER-gehalˈbeɾɣe
Examples
El ayuntamiento abrió un albergue para los afectados por la inundación.
The city council opened a shelter for those affected by the flood.
Buscamos un albergue de montaña antes de que anocheciera.
We looked for a mountain shelter before it got dark.
Hay un albergue de animales cerca de mi casa.
There is an animal shelter near my house.
Using 'dar' and 'pedir'
To offer shelter, use 'dar albergue'. To ask for it, use 'pedir albergue'.
asilo
ah-SEE-lohaˈsilo
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'.
amparo
ahm-PAH-rohamˈpaɾo
Examples
Los niños crecen bajo el amparo de su familia.
The children grow up under the protection of their family.
Buscamos amparo de la lluvia en un pequeño café.
We sought shelter from the rain in a small café.
Se sintió sola y sin amparo en la gran ciudad.
She felt alone and without protection in the big city.
Always Masculine
Even though it often refers to abstract concepts like 'safety,' this word is always masculine: 'el amparo' or 'un amparo.'
Using the 'Bajo' Connector
When saying someone is 'under' someone's protection, we almost always use the word 'bajo' (bajo el amparo de...).
Amparo vs. Protección
Mistake: “Using 'amparo' for a phone case.”
Correction: Use 'funda' or 'protección.' 'Amparo' is usually for people, rights, or physical shelter from the elements, not small objects.
posada
po-SAH-dahpoˈsaða
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.
cobertizo
ko-ber-TEE-sokoβerˈtiθo
Examples
Guardamos las herramientas en el cobertizo del jardín.
We keep the tools in the garden shed.
La leña está seca porque la dejamos bajo el cobertizo.
The firewood is dry because we left it under the lean-to.
El viejo cobertizo de madera colapsó durante la tormenta.
The old wooden shed collapsed during the storm.
It is a Masculine Noun
Since it ends in 'o', it is almost always masculine. You should use 'el' or 'un' with it (el cobertizo).
Plural Form
To talk about more than one, simply add an 's' to the end: 'los cobertizos'.
Confusing with 'Cubierta'
Mistake: “Usé una cubierta para guardar las herramientas.”
Correction: Usé un cobertizo para guardar las herramientas.
acogida
ah-ko-HEE-dahakoˈxiða
Examples
El niño vive con una familia de acogida.
The boy lives with a foster family.
Hay varios centros de acogida para refugiados en la ciudad.
There are several refugee shelters in the city.
El programa de acogida busca hogares temporales.
The foster program is looking for temporary homes.
Compound Phrases
When used with 'de' (like 'de acogida'), it describes a type of place or family that takes people in.
Confusing with 'adoption'
Mistake: “Es una familia de adopción.”
Correction: Es una familia de acogida. Use 'acogida' for temporary or foster care, and 'adopción' for permanent legal status.
regazo
reh-GAH-sohreˈgaso
Examples
Tras años de viaje, volvió al regazo de su familia.
After years of traveling, he returned to the embrace of his family.
Busca consuelo en el regazo de la iglesia.
He seeks comfort in the bosom of the church.
La paz que se siente en el regazo de la naturaleza es única.
The peace one feels in the embrace of nature is unique.
Abstract Use
In this context, 'regazo' doesn't mean a physical lap you sit on; it acts as a symbol for safety and being 'held' by a group or an idea.
General Shelter vs. Specific Facility
Related Translations
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