santuario
/sanˈtwaɾjo/
The English word sanctuary is translated into Spanish as santuario.
Santuario refers to a place of safety or protection. However, it is most commonly used to refer to a religious shrine or a holy place.
Meaning: place of safety or protection (noun)
Which one should you use?
While santuario can be used to describe a place of safety, it is primarily associated with the meaning of a religious shrine.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of santuario is santuarios.
How do you pronounce it?
/sanˈtwaɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word santuario shares the same Latin root as the English word 'sanctimonious', though in Spanish it lacks the negative connotation of being hypocritically pious.
- In a legal context, Spanish uses the term asilo to describe the political sanctuary or protection granted to a refugee by a foreign government.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a santuario is often associated with a specific image or relic of a saint, making the place a destination for pilgrimage.
Examples in context
- Un santuario de la biodiversidad en Brasil llamado El Pantanal, se encuentra amenazado por la deforestación.A biodiversity sanctuary in Brazil called The Pantanal is threatened by deforestation.This sentence shows how to use santuario when discussing a protected area of biodiversity.Tatoeba #1415514 by hayastan, translation #1415085 by Spamster
- El templo antiguo es considerado un santuario por los creyentes.The ancient temple is considered a sanctuary by believers.
- Mi dormitorio es mi rincón sagrado para relajarme y meditar.My bedroom is my sanctuary to relax and meditate.
- Este bosque es un santuario para las aves.This forest is a sanctuary for birds.
- Buscamos un santuario donde la naturaleza sea respetada.We are looking for a sanctuary where nature is respected.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are talking about a peaceful library.
- SofíaMe encanta leer aquí, es un santuario.I love reading here, it is a sanctuary.
- JavierTienes razón, Sofía, hay mucha paz.You are right, Sofía, there is a lot of peace.
- SofíaEs el único santuario en esta ciudad.It is the only sanctuary in this city.
- JavierDeberíamos venir más seguido, Javier.We should come more often, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry santuario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries santuario, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
