Translation guide
The English word "refuge" refers to a place or state of safety, protection, or shelter from danger or distress. In Japanese, the most common equivalents depend on whether you mean a physical shelter, a safe haven, or a more abstract sense of comfort or escape.
A place that provides protection from physical threats like natural disasters, war, or pursuit.
The standard term for an evacuation shelter, such as during earthquakes, floods, or other disasters. It specifically refers to a designated safe location.
In case of an earthquake, please go to the nearby refuge.
Similar to 避難所, but often implies a broader or temporary evacuation area, like an open space or park designated for safety.
Literally 'escape place', used for any place to flee to, often in urgent or dangerous situations. Can sound more desperate or immediate.
A hideout or secret refuge, often used for hiding from people or authorities, not typically for natural disasters.
A place offering safety, peace, or protection, often with emotional or social connotations, like a country offering asylum or a personal sanctuary.
A mental or emotional refuge, such as finding solace in an activity, a person, or a memory.
A place or person that provides emotional support or comfort; a spiritual refuge. Very natural for abstract contexts.
The act of seeking or finding refuge, often expressed as a verb phrase.
The verb 'to take refuge' or 'to evacuate'. Used for moving to a safe place during danger.
Directly translating 'refuge' as 避難 (hinan) alone is not natural; 避難 means 'evacuation' and needs a suffix like 所 or 先 to indicate a place. For emotional refuge, avoid literal translations like 避難所, which sounds odd.
避難所 (hinanjo) is a designated shelter building, while 避難場所 (hinan basho) can be an open area like a park. In casual speech, they are sometimes interchangeable, but official signs distinguish them.
They found refuge in a small village.
Using the verb 避難する for the action of taking refuge.
この公園は避難場所に指定されています。
This park is designated as a refuge.
火事で逃げ場を失った。
I lost my refuge in the fire.
彼は警察から逃れるために隠れ家にいた。
He was in a refuge to escape from the police.
The place where one takes refuge, often used for refugees or people fleeing conflict. Emphasizes the destination.
They left the country seeking a safe refuge.
Means 'protection' and is used in contexts like 'take refuge under someone's protection' or 'seek asylum'. Often part of compound phrases.
He sought refuge in that country.
A sanctuary or sacred refuge, often with religious or inviolable connotations. Can be used metaphorically for a safe space.
This forest is a refuge for me.
Music was her refuge.
An escape route or way out, often used metaphorically for a mental escape from stress or reality.
Reading is a refuge from reality.
A place of peace and tranquility, often used for a personal refuge like a garden or a quiet room.
This garden is my refuge.
The residents took refuge on higher ground.
To run into a place for refuge, often with a sense of urgency. Implies entering a building or area for safety.
He took refuge in a nearby shop.
To stay with someone for refuge or shelter, often implying relying on another's hospitality.
She took refuge at a friend's house.
Music is my refuge from stress.
Metaphorical use with 逃げ道 (escape route).