French word

librairie

Pronunciation

IPA/libʁeʁi/

Meaning

  • feminine nounbookstore

Example

Je vais à la librairie.

I'm going to the bookstore.

Illustration for librairie (bookstore)

More examples

La librairie du coin vend aussi des magazines.

The bookstore around the corner also sells magazines.

Core concept

A shop where new or second-hand books move from shelves into customers' hands.

Common phrases

  • aller à la librairie

    go to the bookstore

  • acheter à la librairie

    buy at the bookstore

  • ouvrir une librairie

    open a bookstore

Similar words

bibliothèque: A public library where books are available for borrowing.
papeterie: A store specializing in stationery supplies.
kiosque: A small newsstand selling newspapers and magazines.

Definition in French

Commerce consacré à la vente de livres, ouvert au public pour l'achat d'ouvrages neufs ou d'occasion.

Word origin

The word traces back through medieval French to Latin libraria, a feminine form related to liber, meaning "book."

Usage tips

  • Librairie is a false friend of English library; a lending library is a bibliothèque in French.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word