도서관
doseogwan[to̞sʰʌ̹ɡwa̠n]
The English word "library" is translated into Korean as 도서관 (doseogwan).
도서관 is a noun used to refer to an institution which holds books, etc.
Meaning: institution which holds books, etc. (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 도서 (books) and 관 (building/institution).
How do you pronounce it?
doseogwan
Did you know?
- In some Korean cities, 'smart libraries' are unmanned kiosks located in subway stations that allow you to borrow and return books 24 hours a day via a credit card.
- The character 도서 in 도서관 literally refers to both 'books' and 'drawings'. This reflects an ancient tradition where libraries were places to store both written texts and maps or paintings.
- Korean university students often use 도서관 as a general term for 'studying' regardless of whether they are reading books, as the building is the primary site for intensive exam preparation.
Examples in context
- 난 톰을 도서관에서 만났어.I met Tom in the library.This sentence shows how to use 도서관 to indicate a location where an action occurred.Tatoeba #8375030 by Eunhee, translation #6812263 by CK
- 그 책을 도서관에 반납했어?Did you take the book back to the library?This sentence demonstrates using 도서관 as a destination for returning an item.Tatoeba #11106001 by intertime, translation #43884 by CK
- 그는 책을 도서관에 반납했다.She returned a book to the library.This sentence illustrates the use of 도서관 when returning a book.Tatoeba #8516952 by Eunhee, translation #461935 by tamsanh
- 저는 도서관에 가서 책을 빌립니다.I go to the library to borrow books.
- 도서관에 어떻게 가나요?How do I get to the library?
- 오늘 도서관에 갈 시간이 없어요.I don't have time to go to the library today.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding where to study together.
- 서연 Seo-yeon우리 도서관에서 공부할까?uri doseogwan-eseo gongbu-halkka?Shall we study at the library?
- 지훈 Ji-hun그래, 도서관으로 가자.geurae, doseogwan-euro gaja.Sure, let's go to the library.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈아, 도서관에 자리가 있을까?jihoon-a, doseogwan-e jari-ga isseulkka?Jihoon, do you think there will be seats at the library?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아마 자리가 있을 거야.ama jari-ga isseul geoya.There will probably be seats.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “library” translations and entries 도서관, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 도서관, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
