Dictionary
English - Japanese
Library
ˈlaɪˌbrɛri
Extremely common
900 - 1000
900 - 1000
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
図書館 (としょかん), ライブラリ, 蔵書 (ぞうしょ)
Library meanings in Japanese
図書館 (としょかん)
Example:
I borrowed a book from the library.
私は図書館から本を借りました。
The library is a quiet place to study.
図書館は勉強するのに静かな場所です。
Usage: formalContext: This meaning is used in academic and public settings when referring to places where books and other resources are available for borrowing or reading.
Note: The term '図書館' specifically refers to a public or academic library and is widely understood in Japan.
ライブラリ
Example:
I need to install a new library for my software project.
私のソフトウェアプロジェクトに新しいライブラリをインストールする必要があります。
This library contains useful functions for developers.
このライブラリは開発者にとって便利な機能が含まれています。
Usage: informalContext: This meaning is used in computing and programming contexts, referring to a collection of pre-written code or resources.
Note: The term 'ライブラリ' is borrowed from English and is commonly used in tech discussions among professionals.
蔵書 (ぞうしょ)
Example:
The library has an extensive collection of rare books.
その図書館は珍しい本の豊富な蔵書を持っています。
The university's library has thousands of volumes in its collection.
大学の図書館には何千冊もの蔵書があります。
Usage: formalContext: This term refers to the actual collection of books held by a library, often used in academic or literary discussions.
Note: While '蔵書' can be used in general conversations about books, it is often found in more formal or academic contexts.
Library's synonyms
bookstore
A bookstore is a place where books are sold, unlike a library where books are borrowed for reading.
Example: I love spending time at the bookstore browsing through new releases.
Note: A bookstore involves purchasing books while a library allows borrowing them.
bibliotheca
Bibliotheca is a more formal or academic term for a library, often used in scholarly contexts.
Example: The bibliotheca in the university is a quiet and peaceful place to study.
Note: Bibliotheca is a Latin-derived term that may be used in more formal or specialized settings.
media center
A media center typically houses various forms of media resources beyond just books, such as digital materials and technology.
Example: The school's media center is equipped with computers, books, and audiovisual resources.
Note: A media center may offer a broader range of resources beyond traditional books.
Library expressions, common phrases
Hit the books
To study or start studying intensely.
Example: I need to hit the books to prepare for my exams next week.
Note: The phrase 'hit the books' implies a focused and dedicated approach to studying, often in preparation for an exam or academic task, while 'library' refers to a physical place where books and other materials are kept for reading or borrowing.
Check something out
To borrow something, usually from a library.
Example: I'm going to check out a book on astronomy from the library.
Note: In this context, 'check out' means to borrow or take something temporarily, often from a library, whereas 'library' refers to the place where the borrowing occurs.
Bookworm
A person who loves reading or spends a lot of time reading.
Example: My sister is a real bookworm and spends hours in the library every week.
Note: While 'library' refers to a physical place, 'bookworm' describes a person who enjoys reading books excessively or habitually.
Close the book on something
To finish or conclude something, especially in a decisive manner.
Example: After the trial, the judge was able to close the book on the case.
Note: This phrase uses 'book' metaphorically to signify completion or finality, different from the literal meaning of 'library' as a place for books.
Throw the book at someone
To punish someone as severely as possible, typically by applying all available rules or laws.
Example: The judge decided to throw the book at the defendant, giving him the maximum sentence.
Note: In this idiom, 'book' refers to a rulebook or legal code, suggesting a harsh punishment, contrasting with the peaceful and educational connotations of a 'library'.
In someone's book
In someone's opinion or judgment.
Example: I may not have succeeded in the competition, but at least I'm still in my coach's book.
Note: This phrase uses 'book' to indicate someone's assessment or evaluation, unlike 'library' which refers to a collection of books.
From the wrong side of the tracks
Coming from a less privileged background or area.
Example: She grew up on the wrong side of the tracks but worked hard to become a successful librarian.
Note: While 'library' is a place for books, this phrase alludes to social class or background, indicating a different aspect of a person's life.
Library everyday (slang) expressions
Booked solid
This slang term is used to convey that someone's schedule is completely full or busy.
Example: Sorry, I can't go out tonight; my schedule is booked solid with library shifts.
Note: While 'booked solid' uses the word 'booked' like 'library book,' it refers to a full schedule rather than borrowing a book.
Shelfie
A play on the word 'selfie,' 'shelfie' refers to taking a picture with books or bookshelves in the background.
Example: I took a shelfie with my favorite author's collection at the library.
Note: It combines 'shelf' from the library with 'selfie' and is used specifically when posing with books.
Bibliophile
A bibliophile is a person who loves collecting and reading books.
Example: She's a true bibliophile, with a huge collection of rare books in her home library.
Note: This term is more formal than just saying 'book lover' and emphasizes a deep interest in books.
Booked it
'Booked it' means to move quickly or hastily to a specific location.
Example: We saw the storm approaching, so we booked it back to the library before it started raining.
Note: In this context, 'booked it' refers to moving swiftly, not to reserving or borrowing a book.
Spine-chiller
A spine-chiller is a thrilling or suspenseful book that captivates the reader.
Example: The new thriller in the library's collection was a real spine-chiller; I couldn't put it down.
Note: It's a playful adaptation of 'thriller' in relation to books, emphasizing the impact on the reader's spine (figuratively).
Page-turner
A page-turner is a book that is so engaging or gripping that the reader is eager to continue turning pages.
Example: That mystery novel was a real page-turner; I finished it in one sitting.
Note: This term highlights the book's ability to captivate the reader, making them want to keep reading.
Cover to cover
Reading a book 'cover to cover' means reading it entirely from start to finish without skipping any parts.
Example: I read that novel cover to cover in one night because I couldn't put it down.
Note: While it involves the physical cover of a book, the term emphasizes completing the entire contents of the book rather than just the front and back covers.
Library - Examples
The library is closed on Sundays.
She spent the whole day studying in the library.
The library has a vast collection of books.
Library grammar
Library - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: library
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): libraries
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): library
Syllables, Separation and Stress
library Contains 2 syllables: li • brary
Phonetic transcription: ˈlī-ˌbrer-ē
li brary , ˈlī ˌbrer ē (The red syllable is stressed)
Library - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
library: 900 - 1000 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.