Spanish word

asilo

Pronunciation

IPA/aˈsilo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounnursing home

Example

Mi abuela está en un asilo para ancianos.

My grandmother is in a nursing home for elderly people.

Illustration for asilo (nursing home)

More examples

Tras el terremoto se habilitó un asilo temporal para las familias afectadas.

After the earthquake a temporary shelter was set up for the affected families.

Core concept

Place providing continuous protection and daily care for dependent older adults.

Common phrases

  • asilo de ancianos

    nursing home

  • asilo temporal

    temporary shelter

  • asilo para personas sin hogar

    homeless shelter

Similar words

residencia: Long-term residence offering daily living assistance and routine personal care for elders.
residencia geriátrica: Geriatric facility emphasizing medical treatment and specialized nursing care for older patients.
centro de día: Day program providing care and activities during the day while participants sleep at home.

Definition in Spanish

Espacio u organismo dedicado a proporcionar cuidado y protección continua a personas dependientes, sobre todo personas mayores.

Word origin

Derived via Latin from Greek ἄσυlon 'place free from violation', originally meaning refuge and later applied to establishments that protect and care for those who cannot live independently.

Usage tips

  • Asilo can sound formal or slightly old-fashioned in conversation, so use residencia, hogar, or centro de día when speaking casually to indicate a care home.

Other meanings

  • shelternoun
  • asylumnoun
  • political asylumnoun

Opposites

  • desamparolack of protectionnoun

Related words

  • asilarshelterverb

Word lists with this word