refugio
/reˈfuxjo/
refugio is the Spanish word for refuge.
A refugio is a place that provides safety or protection from danger or bad weather. It can refer to a physical structure, such as a mountain hut or a temporary shelter from the elements, as well as a metaphorical place of safety.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb refugiar, which means to give refuge.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of refugio is refugios.
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈfuxjo/
Did you know?
- Because it comes from the Latin 'fugere' (to flee), the word refugio contains the same linguistic DNA as the English word 'fugitive'.
- In Spanish, the verb refugiarse can be used figuratively to describe someone avoiding a difficult conversation or a boring social situation.
- In the Pyrenees, a refugio is often a fully staffed facility providing commercial beds and meals rather than just a basic emergency shack.
Examples in context
- El lugar más seguro durante un terremoto es un refugio designado.The safest place during an earthquake is a designated shelter.
- Muchos migrantes buscan albergue en su camino hacia un lugar seguro.Many migrants seek refuge on their way to a safe place.
- ¿Sabes dónde está el refugio de emergencia más cercano?Do you know where the nearest emergency shelter is?
- Buscamos refugio de la tormenta.We are looking for shelter from the storm.
- Buscamos un refugio para protegernos de la tormenta.We are looking for a shelter to protect ourselves from the storm.
- El bosque es un refugio para muchos animales.The forest is a refuge for many animals.
- Encontré un refugio seguro en la montaña.I found a safe shelter in the mountain.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are hiking during a storm.
- DanielEstá empezando a llover mucho, Sofía.It's starting to rain a lot, Sofía.
- SofíaMira, hay un refugio allí adelante.Look, there is a shelter up ahead.
- DanielMenos mal, vamos rápido hacia allá.Thank goodness, let's go quickly over there.
- SofíaSí, Daniel, estaremos seguros allí.Yes, Daniel, we will be safe there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry refugio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries refugio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
