noun HSK 2
Traditional 圖書館
library
Meaning
图书馆 refers to a building or institution where books and other materials are kept for reading, borrowing, or reference. It is a fundamental word for discussing places of study and learning in Chinese.
Usage
This is the standard term for library in both mainland China and Taiwan. It's used for public libraries, university libraries, and school libraries alike. Native speakers often shorten it to 图书 in casual conversation when context is clear, though the full term is preferred in formal settings.
Examples
- 01我每天下午都去图书馆学习。.I go to the library to study every afternoon.
- 02这个城市的图书馆很大，有很多书。, .This city's library is very large and has many books.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个图书馆
- 座一座图书馆
Common collocations
- 去图书馆to go to the library
- 公共图书馆public library
- 大学图书馆university library
- 国家图书馆national library
Origin
The word combines 图 (picture/diagram) and 书 (book) to mean books and reference materials, plus 馆 (building/establishment), literally meaning a building for books and materials.