Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| убе́жище | ubéžišče | neuter |
| укры́тие | ukrýtije | neuter |
| прию́т | prijút | masculine |
| прибе́жище | pribéžišče | neuter |
| приста́нище | pristánišče | neuter |
These terms all refer to a refuge or other protection.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun укры́тие is derived from the verb укры́ть, which means 'to cover' or 'to conceal'.
Which one should you use?
The words differ based on the type of protection provided. укры́тие is the most common term for physical cover from elements or danger, such as a bomb shelter or a place to hide from rain. прию́т is used for a place of refuge that implies emotional or social safety, such as an animal shelter or a place of rest for the soul. убе́жище often carries a stronger connotation of a secure stronghold or a place of sanctuary from a specific threat.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While most common forms for shelter in this list are neuter, прию́т is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
ubéžišče
Did you know?
- The word убе́жище is derived from the verb бежа́ть, which means 'to run'. Literally, it describes a place where one has 'run to' for safety.
- Depending on the context, прию́т can sound condescending if used to describe a home, as it implies the person is a refugee or a charity case rather than a homeowner.
- The root of укры́тие is linked to the word кры́ло, meaning 'wing', suggesting the idea of being covered or protected under something.
Examples in context
- Пострадавшие семьи были эвакуированы в убежище.The affected families were evacuated to a shelter.
- В моем городе есть приют для бездомных людей.There is a shelter for homeless people in my city.
- Это убе́жище было очень старым.Eto ubezhishche bylo ochen' starym.This shelter was very old.
- Нам нужно найти надёжное убе́жище.Nam nuzhno nayti nadyozhnoye ubezhishche.We need to find a reliable shelter.
- В этом убе́жище можно переждать шторм.V etom ubezhishche mozhno perezhdat' shtorm.One can wait out the storm in this shelter.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Andrey are discussing where to go during a heavy storm.
- Анастасия AnastasiaАндре́й, где наше убе́жище?Andrey, gde nashe ubezhishche?Andrey, where is our shelter?
- Андрей AndreyОно вон там, за лесом.Ono von tam, za lesom.It is over there, behind the forest.
- Анастасия AnastasiaНадеюсь, оно достаточно прочное.Nadeyus', ono dostatochno prochnoye.I hope it is strong enough.
- Андрей AndreyДа, это очень крепкое убе́жище.Da, eto ochen' krepkoye ubezhishche.Yes, it is a very strong shelter.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shelter” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
