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"Shelter" is a noun which is often translated as "el refugio", and "take shelter" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "refugiarse". Learn more about the difference between "shelter" and "take shelter" below.
shelter(
shel
-
tuhr
)A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
1. (building)
a. el refugio (M)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
There were hundreds of bomb shelters in London during the Blitz.Había cientos de refugios antiaéreos en Londres durante los bombardeos alemanes.
b. el albergue (M)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
The parish donated 500 blankets to the homeless shelter.La parroquia donó 500 mantas para el albergue de los sin techo.
c. el centro de acogida (M)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
The old school serves as a shelter for abused women.La vieja escuela sirve de centro de acogida para mujeres maltratadas.
2. (protection)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
We heard bombing and ran for shelter.Escuchamos el ruido del bombardeo y corrimos a refugiarnos.
We took shelter from the rain under the porch.Nos metimos debajo del porche para resguardarnos de la lluvia.
a. el alojamiento (M)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Two pilgrims were looking for shelter and I let them sleep in the barn.Dos peregrinos buscaban alojamiento y los dejé dormir en el granero.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
4. (to protect)
a. resguardarse
We sheltered behind the wall to protect us from the wind.Nos resguardamos detrás del muro para protegernos del viento.
b. ponerse al abrigo de
He sheltered under the trees, waiting for the rain to stop.Se puso al abrigo de los árboles, a la espera de que la lluvia cesara.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
5. (to protect)
a. proteger
The hen shelters her chicks under her wings.La gallina protege a sus pollitos poniéndolos debajo de sus alas.
b. resguardar
The hut sheltered us from inclement weather.La cabaña nos resguardó de las inclemencias del tiempo.
a. proteger
You cannot shelter your children from life's stark reality.No puedes proteger a tus hijos de la cruda realidad de la vida.
take shelter(
teyk
shel
-
duhr
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. refugiarse
Authorities are urging citizens to take shelter as soon as possible.Las autoridades están urgiendo que los residentes se refugien lo más pronto posible.
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. refúgiate (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
There's a storm brewing. Take shelter!Se avecina una tormenta. ¡Refúgiate!
b. refúgiese (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
There's going to be a tornado. Take shelter in my basement.Va a haber un tornado. Refúgiese en mi sótano.
a. refúgiense (plural)
Take shelter in this cave until the storm dies down.Refúgiense en esta caverna hasta que amaine la tormenta.
