Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rifugio | /riˈfu.d͡ʒo/ | masculine |
| riparo | /riˈpa.ro/ | masculine |
In Italian, the choice of word depends on whether you are describing a physical location or the act of seeking protection from an element. rifugio is used for a physical structure or a specific place of refuge, such as a mountain hut or a bomb shelter. riparo is more abstract and refers to the state of being protected or the act of taking cover, particularly when seeking shelter from weather conditions like rain or wind.
Which one should you use?
rifugio refers to a physical place or building used for refuge. In contrast, riparo refers to the state of being protected or the act of taking cover and it is the standard word used when talking about seeking shelter from weather conditions.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb rifugiarsi is reflexive and is used when a person seeks refuge or hides themselves in a place. The verb ripararsi is also reflexive and is commonly used for protecting oneself from the elements, such as rain or sun. To express the transitive action of providing cover, you can use the phrase dare rifugio.
How do you pronounce it?
/riˈfu.dʒo/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb riparare can also mean to 'repair' or 'fix' something, such as a broken object, which is quite different from 'sheltering'.
- Italian uses the word riparo in the idiomatic phrase senza riparo, which can describe someone who is not only homeless but also lacks any social or legal protection.
- The verb rifugiarsi can carry a psychological meaning, describing a person retreating into their own thoughts or a fantasy world to escape reality.
Examples in context
- Ho costruito un rifugio.I built a shelter.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of rifugio.Tatoeba #8250998 by Guybrush88, translation #5858618 by CK
- Cercarono riparo dalla pioggia.They sought shelter from the rain.This sentence demonstrates the use of riparo in the context of rain.Tatoeba #11351052 by Nuel, translation #306178 by CK
- Si mise al riparo dalla grandinata.He took shelter from the hailstorm.This sentence shows how to use riparo regarding a hailstorm.Tatoeba #11553096 by Nuel, translation #11553095 by Nuel
- Mi scusi, sa dove posso trovare un rifugio per la notte?Excuse me, do you know where I can find a shelter for the night?
- Mi scusi, sa dove posso trovare un rifugio per la notte o un alloggio economico?Excuse me, do you know where I can find a shelter for the night or affordable lodging?
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are hiking in the mountains during a storm.
- AlessandroDobbiamo trovare un rifugio subito!We must find a shelter immediately!
- ChiaraVedo un piccolo rifugio in fondo alla valle.I see a small shelter at the bottom of the valley.
- AlessandroCorri, Chiara, prima che arrivi il temporale!Run, Chiara, before the storm arrives!
- ChiaraSpero che il rifugio sia abbastanza grande per noi.I hope the shelter is big enough for us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shelter” translations and entries rifugio, riparo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
