abri
/a.bʁi/masculine
The French word for shelter is abri. Wiktionary also lists refuge.
Meaning: a refuge or other protection (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| abri | /a.bʁi/ | masculine |
| refuge | /ʁə.fyʒ/ | masculine |
In French, the word used for shelter depends on whether you are referring to a physical structure or a concept of safety. You can use the phrase abri de fortune to describe a makeshift or improvised shelter. Relatedly, the verb s'abriter means to take cover, while the transitive verb abriter means to provide cover.
Which one should you use?
Use abri when referring to a physical structure or a temporary cover, such as a lean-to or a storm shelter. Use refuge when emphasizing the concept of a sanctuary or a place of safety from danger.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb s'abriter is reflexive, which means it is used to express the action of sheltering oneself or taking cover.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of abri is /a.bʁi/ and it has two syllables.
Did you know?
- In the French Alps, a refuge is specifically a high-altitude mountain hut used by hikers and climbers.
- The French word abri shares an ancient root with the English word 'borrow', coming from a Proto-Indo-European source meaning to twist or weave together.
- France has a network of abris anti-atomiques, which were public shelters built during the Cold War.
Examples in context
- Où puis-je m'abriter ?Where can I take shelter?This sentence is useful for asking where one can take shelter using abri.Tatoeba #8676757 by Julien_PDC, translation #13901056 by rul
- J'ai construit un abri.I built a shelter.This sentence is useful for describing the construction of an abri.Tatoeba #6153702 by Aiji, translation #5858618 by CK
- On l'utilisait comme abri.We were using it as a shelter.This sentence is useful for describing how something was used as an abri.Tatoeba #11700426 by Aiji, translation #5379302 by sundown
- Les réfugiés ont trouvé refuge dans un camp temporaire.The refugees found shelter in a temporary camp.
- En cas d'urgence, dirigez-vous vers le plus proche abri de secours.In case of emergency, proceed to the nearest shelter.
- Le sans-abri a trouvé un abri dans une vieille maison abandonnée.The homeless person found shelter in an abandoned old house.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A rainy hike in the mountains.
- NathanNous devons trouver un abri rapidement.We must find a shelter quickly.
- ChloéRegarde, il y a un abri de montagne là-bas.Look, there is a mountain shelter over there.
- NathanC'est parfait pour se protéger de la pluie.It is perfect to protect ourselves from the rain.
- ChloéTu as raison, Nathan, dépêchons-nous.You are right, Nathan, let's hurry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shelter” translations and entries abri, refuge, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abri, refuge, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
