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.
地震のときは、近くの避難所に行ってください。
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.
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.
Literally 'escape place', used for any place to flee to, often in urgent or dangerous situations. Can sound more desperate or immediate.
火事で逃げ場を失った。
I lost my refuge in the fire.
A hideout or secret refuge, often used for hiding from people or authorities, not typically for natural disasters.
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.
A place offering safety, peace, or protection, often with emotional or social connotations, like a country offering asylum or a personal sanctuary.
The place where one takes refuge, often used for refugees or people fleeing conflict. Emphasizes the destination.
彼らは安全な避難先を求めて国を出た。
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.
彼はその国に保護を求めた。
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.
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.
音楽が彼女の心の拠り所だった。
Music was her refuge.
An escape route or way out, often used metaphorically for a mental escape from stress or reality.
読書は現実からの逃げ道だ。
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.
この庭は私の安らぎの場です。
This garden is my refuge.
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.
住民は高台に避難した。
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.
彼は近くの店に逃げ込んだ。
He took refuge in a nearby shop.
To stay with someone for refuge or shelter, often implying relying on another's hospitality.
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.
彼らは小さな村に避難した。
They found refuge in a small village.
Using the verb 避難する for the action of taking refuge.
この森は私にとって聖域のような場所だ。
This forest is a refuge for me.
彼女は友人の家に身を寄せた。
She took refuge at a friend's house.