rifugio
/riˈfu.d͡ʒo/masculine
The English word refuge is translated into Italian as rifugio.
rifugio refers to a place providing safety, protection or shelter. This can describe physical structures, such as a mountain hut or abstract concepts, such as finding a refuge in religion or art.
Meaning: place providing safety, protection or shelter (noun)
Which one should you use?
The plural form of rifugio is rifugi. In the specific context of hiking or mountaineering, a mountain refuge is commonly called a rifugio alpino.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /riˈfu.dʒo/.
Did you know?
- In some Italian contexts, rifugio can refer to a bomb shelter or an air-raid shelter, especially when discussing the history of World War II.
- In Italian, rifugio is the standard term for a mountain hut, but these are not just shelters. Many function as high-altitude hotels and restaurants where hikers can buy gourmet meals and wine.
- The word rifugio shares a root with the Italian verb rifugiare, but in modern usage, Italians more commonly use rifugiarsi to describe the act of seeking shelter or hiding.
Examples in context
- Ha trovato rifugio nell'Islam.He found refuge in Islam.This sentence shows the use of rifugio in an abstract sense regarding religion.Tatoeba #13473107 by Guybrush88, translation #8247260 by Amastan
- La coerenza è l'ultimo rifugio delle persone senza immaginazione.Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.This sentence demonstrates the use of rifugio in a metaphorical or abstract context.Tatoeba #863656 by riccioberto, translation #551969 by Dejo
- Il rifugio offre protezione ai profughi.The refuge offers protection to refugees.
- Cerchiamo riparo sotto quel grande albero.Let's seek refuge under that big tree.
- Abbiamo trovato un rifugio per la tempesta.We found a refuge from the storm.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are hiking and looking for shelter from the rain.
- ChiaraFrancesco, dobbiamo trovare un rifugio subito.Francesco, we need to find a refuge immediately.
- FrancescoGuarda, c'è un piccolo rifugio in montagna.Look, there is a small refuge in the mountains.
- ChiaraSpero che sia asciutto e sicuro.I hope it is dry and safe.
- FrancescoSì, andiamo verso quel rifugio.Yes, let's go towards that refuge.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “refuge” translations and entries rifugio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
