ספרייה \ סִפְרִיָּה
sifriyáfeminine
The Hebrew word for library is ספרייה \ סִפְרִיָּה (sifriyá).
ספרייה \ סִפְרִיָּה is used to refer to an institution that holds books and other materials. You can also use the phrase ספרייה דיגיטלית (sifriyá digiṭalit) to specifically mean a digital library.
Meaning: institution which holds books, etc. (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root ס–פ–ר (s-p-r), which relates to counting or telling and the suffix –ייה (-iyá), which forms a noun denoting a place or a collection.
How does it change in a sentence?
ספרייה \ סִפְרִיָּה is a feminine noun. The plural form is ספריות (sifriyót).
How do you pronounce it?
sifriyá
Did you know?
- The root shared by ספרייה is also found in the word for 'number' ספרה, highlighting the ancient link between counting and literacy.
- The word ספרייה was originally coined to mean 'bookstore' rather than 'library'.
- Hebrew distinguishes between a 'book' ספר and a 'scroll' מגילה, yet ספרייה covers collections of both.
Examples in context
- אני הולך להספרייה לקחת ספריםI am going to the library to borrow books.
- אני רוצה לשאול אם אני יכול להשאיל את הספר הזהI'd like to ask if I can borrow this book.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “library” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ספרייה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
