refugio
nounCEFR B2
What does “refugio” mean in English?
1.refuge, shelter — protection or safety from danger; a place providing emergency accommodation
refuge, shelter — protection or safety from danger; a place providing emergency accommodation (habilitar refugios; buscar refugio)
2.shelter, refuge — a place of protection from bad weather or danger
shelter, refuge — a place of protection from bad weather or danger (actuar como refugio; un refugio natural)
Example sentences
Las organizaciones humanitarias habilitaron refugios de emergencia para las personas desplazadas por el conflicto.
Humanitarian organisations set up emergency shelters for people displaced by the conflict.
Decenas de familias buscaron refugio en el gimnasio municipal tras ser desalojadas por las inundaciones.
Dozens of families sought shelter in the municipal sports hall after being evacuated due to the floods.
El refugio montañero estaba equipado con literas, mantas y provisiones básicas para treinta personas.
The mountain refuge was equipped with bunk beds, blankets and basic supplies for thirty people.
How to use it
El refugio (noun, masculine) means 'refuge, shelter' — emergency accommodation or protection from danger. Core B2 collocations: habilitar/abrir refugios; refugio de emergencia; buscar refugio; refugio antiaéreo; refugio de animales. In migration/humanitarian contexts it is indispensable. Distinguish from asilo (political asylum — a legal status) and alojamiento (general accommodation).
Common mistake
Refugio and asilo are not interchangeable: asilo is the formal legal status (political asylum); refugio is a physical place or temporary protection. 'Tax haven' = paraíso fiscal (not *refugio fiscal). 'Refuge for battered women' = casa de acogida para mujeres maltratadas.