図書館

toshokan

noun★Beginner

formal

library

図書館で本を借りる

Borrow a book at the library

図書館は静かにしてください

Please be quiet in the library

💡

Refers to a public or institutional building where books and other media are stored and can be borrowed.

図書館で勉強するstudy at the library図書館のカードlibrary card

図書館の利用規則phrase

library rules

図書館 (toshokan) is the standard term for a library. For a smaller or private collection, 図書室 (tosho-shitsu) may be used.

図書館 is typically used in formal or official contexts, such as public or academic libraries.

Composed of 図 (toshokan, 'drawing' or 'diagram') and 書館 (shokan, 'book repository'), literally meaning 'book repository'

Often used in formal contexts, such as public libraries or university libraries. Can also refer to private collections in some contexts.

図

drawing, diagram

root

書

writing, book

root

館

building, institution

root

✎ Noted on May 2, 2026JA → EN