bibliothēca
feminine
The Latin word for library is bibliothēca. Wiktionary also lists librārium.
Meaning: institution which holds books, etc. (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | Note |
|---|---|
| bibliothēca | feminine |
| librārium | neuter |
The term refers to an institution or a collection of books.
Which one should you use?
While bibliothēca refers to the institution or collection of books, librārium often refers more specifically to a chest, cupboard or a room used for storing books.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun bibliothēca has the genitive singular form bibliothēcae (of the library) and the accusative plural form bibliothēcās (libraries). The neuter noun librārium can also be used to mean a library or a specific place or container for books.
Did you know?
- The word bibliothēca is a loanword from the Greek bibliothēkē. It combines biblion meaning 'book' and thēkē meaning 'box' or 'case'.
- The word librārium shares a root with liber, which originally referred to the 'inner bark' of a tree used for writing before paper.
- In early Roman history, private libraries were rare and often seen as a sign of Greek influence or excessive luxury.
Examples in context
- Illa est magnifica bibliotheca.That is a magnificent library.
- Possum videre te in libraria?Can I see you at the library?
- Bibliothēca est magna.The library is large.
Example conversation
Aurelia and Gaius are walking through the city.
- AureliaGai, ubi est bibliothēca?Gaius, where is the library?
- GaiusBibliothēca iuxta forum est.The library is next to the forum.
- AureliaVisne mēcum ad bibliothēcam īre?Do you want to go to the library with me?
- GaiusIta, libros legere volō.Yes, I want to read books.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “library” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
