Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| abrigo | /aˈbɾiɡo/ | masculine |
| amparo | /amˈpaɾo/ | masculine |
| abrigadero | /abɾiɡaˈdeɾo/ | masculine |
| abrigaño | /abɾiˈɡaɲo/ | masculine |
| cobijo | /koˈbixo/ | masculine |
In Spanish, the word you choose for 'shelter' depends on whether you mean physical protection, emotional refuge or legal protection. For a temporary or communal shelter, such as a hostel or a shared facility, the word albergue is typically used. If you wish to express the action of taking shelter, such as from the rain, the most common verb is refugiarse. To describe the action of providing cover or shelter, you can use the verbs cobijar, albergar or guarecer.
Which one should you use?
The different forms of 'shelter' carry specific nuances. While abrigo can mean a physical shelter or protection, it is most commonly used in everyday Spanish to mean a 'coat' (clothing). For a more natural way to express a warm, cozy or emotional refuge, use cobijo. In contrast, amparo is used for abstract or legal forms of shelter, such as protection under the law or divine protection. Other forms include abrigadero and abrigaño.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, abrigo may be used to mean 'shelter'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All the primary noun forms provided, abrigo, amparo, abrigadero, abrigaño and cobijo, are masculine nouns. The related verbs for taking shelter, refugiarse and guarecerse, are intransitive, while the verbs for providing cover, cobijar, albergar and guarecer, are transitive.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈbɾiɡo/
Did you know?
- The noun abrigo traces its roots back to the Latin verb aperiō, which actually means 'to uncover' or 'to open'.
- In Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries, amparo is a specific legal term for a writ of protection that allows citizens to challenge the constitutionality of government acts.
- While albergue translates to 'shelter' or 'hostel', it is the standard term used for the network of pilgrim shelters along the Camino de Santiago.
Examples in context
- En situaciones de emergencia, es importante buscar un refugio seguro.In emergency situations, it's important to seek a safe shelter.
- El albergue ofrece un techo y comida a las personas sin hogar.The shelter provides a roof and food for homeless people.
- ¡Rápido, busquemos cobijo antes de que empiece la lluvia!Quick, let's find shelter before it starts raining!
- Nos refugiaremos en casa hasta que pase la tormenta.We will take shelter at home until the storm passes.
- Es mejor resguardarse durante el terremoto debajo de un mueble resistente.It's better to take cover during an earthquake underneath a sturdy piece of furniture.
- Buscamos un abrigo contra la tormenta.We are looking for a shelter against the storm.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are hiking during a sudden storm.
- DanielEstá empezando a granizar, Lucía.It's starting to hail, Lucía.
- LucíaBusquemos un abrigo rápido.Let's look for a shelter quickly.
- DanielMira, hay una cueva allí.Look, there is a cave over there.
- LucíaPerfecto, ese será nuestro abrigo.Perfect, that will be our shelter.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shelter” translations and entries abrigo, amparo, abrigadero, abrigaño, cobijo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abrigadero, abrigaño, abrigo, amparo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
