noun HSK 5
Traditional 書刊
shū kān
books and periodicals · publications

Meaning

书刊 is a compound noun referring to printed publications in general, encompassing both books (书) and periodicals/magazines (刊). It's commonly used in formal or institutional contexts when discussing printed materials collectively, such as in libraries, bookstores, or publishing discussions.

Usage

This term is more formal and collective than simply saying 书 (books). It appears frequently in contexts like library signs, publishing industry discussions, and official documents. Native speakers use it when referring to printed materials as a category rather than specific individual items.

Examples

  1. 01
    图书馆里有各种各样的书刊供读者阅读。
    shū guǎn yǒu zhǒng yàng de shū kān gōng zhě yuè .
    The library has all kinds of books and periodicals for readers.
  2. 02
    这家书店专门经营学术类书刊
    Zhè jiā shū diàn zhuān mén jīng yíng xué shù lèi shū kān.
    This bookstore specializes in academic publications.

Characters

Measure words

  • běn一本书刊
  • zhǒng各种书刊

Common collocations

  • 书刊市场
    shū kān shì chǎng
    publications market
  • 借阅书刊
    jiè yuè shū kān
    to borrow books and periodicals
  • 书刊发行
    shū kān xíng
    publication distribution

Origin

The word combines 书 (book) with 刊 (periodical/publication), where 刊 originally meant 'to carve' or 'to cut' (referring to engraving printing blocks), and later came to mean publications that are printed periodically.

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