Inklingo

How to Say "sheltered" in Spanish

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protegido

proh-teh-HEE-doh/pɾoteˈxiðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'protegido' when something is protected from danger, harm, or the elements, implying a state of safety or defense.
A small, bright green seedling is safely nestled inside a pair of large, gentle hands, shielding it from light drizzle.

Examples

El jardín está protegido del viento por un muro alto.

The garden is sheltered from the wind by a high wall.

El área de anidación está protegida por una valla.

The nesting area is protected by a fence.

Ella se siente protegida cuando está cerca de su familia.

She feels safe (protected) when she is near her family.

Los documentos estaban bien protegidos en la caja fuerte.

The documents were well protected in the safe.

Agreement Rule

Like all Spanish descriptive words, 'protegido' must match the thing it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). For example: 'la casa protegida' (feminine singular) or 'los niños protegidos' (masculine plural).

Confusing Past Participle and Infinitive

Mistake: “La ciudad fue proteger.”

Correction: La ciudad fue protegida. (Remember to use the '-ado/-ido' form when describing the result of an action.)

refugiado

/reh-foo-hyah-dohss//refuˈxjaðos/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'refugiado' when people or animals are actively taking cover or seeking refuge from a specific, often temporary, threat like a storm or attack.
A small cat sitting comfortably under a large leaf during a rainstorm.

Examples

Los excursionistas estaban refugiados de la lluvia en una cueva.

The hikers were sheltered from the rain in a cave.

Estábamos refugiados bajo el puente durante la tormenta.

We were sheltered under the bridge during the storm.

Los excursionistas pasaron la noche refugiados en una cueva.

The hikers spent the night sheltered in a cave.

Using 'Estar'

When using this as an adjective to describe where someone is taking cover, always use the verb 'estar' (to be) because it describes a temporary situation.

Protegido vs. Refugiado

Learners often confuse 'protegido' and 'refugiado'. Remember that 'protegido' implies a general state of safety or defense, like a protected area. 'Refugiado' implies actively seeking shelter from a present danger, like hiding from a storm.

Related Translations

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