Japanese word

図書館

Pronunciation

Romajitoshokan

Meaning

  • nounlibrary

Example

図書館で本を読みます。to sho kan de hon o yo mi ma su

I read a book at the library.

Illustration for 図書館 (library)

More examples

図書館へ行きます。to sho kan e i ki ma su

I go to the library.

近所の図書館で本を借ります。kin jo no to sho kan de hon o ka ri ma su

I borrow books from the library.

Core concept

Describes a shared place where books and other recorded information can be found and used.

Common phrases

  • 図書館で勉強するto sho kan de ben kyō su ru

    study at the library

  • 図書館に行くto sho kan ni i ku

    go to the library

  • 図書館の本to sho kan no hon

    library books

Definition in Japanese

本などを調べたり借りたりできる施設。hon na do o shira be ta ri ka ri ta ri de ki ru shi setsu

Word origin

図 (to, "diagram") and 書 (sho, "writing") form 図書 (tosho, "books"), while 館 (kan, "building") adds the sense of a place; together they form 図書館 (toshokan).

Usage tips

  • English speakers also use library for a software collection, whereas 図書館 (toshokan) refers to an institution connected with books and reading.

Word lists with this word