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refugio means refuge — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 25, 2026

✨ Beautiful Spanish

refugio

noun • /[re-FU-hyo]/

refuge

Example:

El bosque era su refugio.

The forest was his refuge.

🧠 What does refugio mean?

Refugio is a masculine noun that refers to a place or state that provides safety, shelter, or protection from danger, trouble, or distress. It can describe a physical location, such as an animal shelter ('refugio de animales') or a mountain hut ('refugio de montaña'), as well as a more abstract concept, like finding comfort or solace in an activity or person.

📚 Extra examples

  • El refugio de animales estaba lleno de perros y gatos que esperaban ser adoptados.
    The animal shelter was full of dogs and cats waiting to be adopted.
  • Después de una larga caminata, los excursionistas llegaron al refugio de montaña.
    After a long hike, the hikers reached the mountain refuge.
  • Para el artista, la música era su refugio del estrés diario.
    For the artist, music was his refuge from daily stress.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'refugio' comes from the Latin 'refugium', which is formed from 're-' (back) and 'fugere' (to flee). This etymology perfectly captures the essence of the word: a place one flees back to for safety. It is also the standard term for the simple lodges or huts found in mountainous areas for hikers and climbers, known as 'refugios de montaña'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "refugio"

Synonyms: abrigo, cobijo, amparo, asilo, santuario
Opposites: peligro, amenaza, intemperie, desamparo

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'refuge' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'refuge' in Spanish is 'refugio'.
How do you pronounce 'refugio' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is reh-FOO-hyoh, with the stress on the second syllable 'fu'.
How do you use 'refugio' in a sentence?
An example sentence is: 'La biblioteca es mi refugio favorito para leer en silencio.' (The library is my favorite refuge for reading in silence.)
What is the English translation of 'refugio'?
'Refugio' translates to 'refuge', 'shelter', or 'haven' in English.
Does 'refugio' change for gender or number?
'Refugio' is a masculine noun. It does not change for gender. The plural form is 'refugios'.
Is 'refugio' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'refugio' is a common word used in various contexts, from discussing shelters for people or animals to describing a personal place of comfort.
Does 'refugio' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'refugio' does not typically have slang meanings. Its meaning is quite direct and consistent, referring to a place of safety or protection.
Is 'refugio' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The word 'refugio' is universally understood and used with the same meaning across the Spanish-speaking world. There are no significant regional variations.

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