asilo
/aˈsilo/masculine
In Spanish, nursing home is translated as asilo. Wiktionary also lists cotolengo.
Meaning: place of residence (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| asilo | /aˈsilo/ | masculine |
| cotolengo | /kotoˈlenɡo/ | Latin America |
Which one should you use?
The word asilo can carry a derogatory or negative connotation, implying a place of abandonment or neglect. In contrast, terms like residencia de ancianos, hogar de ancianos or centro geriátrico are used to describe a residence for the elderly or a geriatric center.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you may hear asilo de ancianos or hogar de ancianos to refer to a nursing home. In Spain, residencia de ancianos is the most common formal term. In certain Latin American countries, cotolengo is used to refer to a home for the elderly or the disabled.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈsilo/
Did you know?
- Although asilo is the direct cognate of the English 'asylum', it does not typically refer to a place for political refugees in modern Spanish. Instead, it is most frequently associated with institutions for the elderly or the destitute.
- The term hogar de ancianos uses the word hogar, which literally translates to 'fireplace' or 'hearth'. This word choice is intended to evoke the warmth and comfort of a real home.
- The word cotolengo originates from a specific type of religious congregation in Italy founded to care for the sick and poor. While it describes a facility in some Latin American countries, it carries a deeply ecclesiastical history.
Examples in context
- Recientemente, abrieron una nueva residencia de ancianos en mi ciudad.Recently, they opened a new nursing home in my city.
- Mi abuela se mudó a un hogar de ancianos para recibir atención especializada.My grandmother moved to a nursing home to receive specialized care.
- Trabajo en un centro geriátrico donde brindamos cuidado integral a nuestros residentes.I work in a geriatric center where we provide comprehensive care to our residents.
- No quiero que mi abuelo termine en un asilo.I don't want my grandfather to end up in a nursing home.
- Ese asilo tiene muy mala fama en el barrio.That nursing home has a very bad reputation in the neighborhood.
- Él vive solo en un asilo de mala muerte.He lives alone in a lousy nursing home.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing the living conditions of an elderly relative.
- Sofía¿Te enteraste de dónde llevaron a la tía?Did you hear where they took the aunt?
- JavierLa metieron en un asilo horrible.They put her in a horrible nursing home.
- Sofía¡Qué horror! Javier, no podemos dejarla ahí.How horrible! Javier, we can't leave her there.
- JavierTienes razón, buscaré otro lugar para ella.You're right, I will look for another place for her.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nursing home” translations and entries asilo, cotolengo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asilo, cotolengo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
