refugio

refuge

noun rreh-FOO-hyoh Rare

Origin: From Latin refugium, from refugere (to flee back).

Also means

shelter

Usage Note

Refugio covers a physical shelter (mountain hut, bomb shelter) and a figurative safe haven. Refugio de montaña (mountain hut) is a specific compound used by hikers. Refugiado (refugee) is a related form that learners should know alongside it. The g before i is pronounced as a soft 'h' sound.

Examples

"Los excursionistas pasaron la noche en un refugio de montaña."

Natural Translation

The hikers spent the night in a mountain shelter.

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