biblioteka
/bi.bljɔˈtɛ.ka/feminine
The English word 'library' translates to Polish as biblioteka. Wiktionary also lists książnica.
Meaning: institution which holds books, etc. (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| biblioteka | /bi.bljɔˈtɛ.ka/ | feminine |
| książnica | /kɕɔw̃ʐˈɲi.t͡sa/ /kɕɔnʐˈɲi.t͡sa/ |
feminine |
The term refers to an institution that holds books. You will see Biblioteka Publiczna used to mean Public Library, and Biblioteka Uniwersytecka used to mean University Library for those in universities or academic institutions.
Which one should you use?
While biblioteka is the standard term, książnica is a more literary or archaic way to refer to a library.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word biblioteka changes to biblioteki in the genitive singular case, which is used to indicate possession or following certain prepositions.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /bi.bljɔˈtɛ.ka/.
Did you know?
- The Greek root of biblioteka is bŭ́blos, which refers to the papyrus produced in the city of Byblos, showing that the word for 'library' is tied to a specific ancient city.
- Poland has a long tradition of czytelnie, which are reading rooms that function like libraries but are specifically designed for reading on-site rather than borrowing books to take home.
- In Poland, libraries often host spotkania autorskie, which are author meetings that transform the silent biblioteka into a social community hub.
Examples in context
- Gdzie znajduje się biblioteka?Where is the library?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the biblioteka.Tatoeba #3935041 by jeedrek, translation #270700 by CK
- Biblioteka jest w centrum miasta.The library is in the middle of the city.This sentence is useful for stating the location of the biblioteka.Tatoeba #3426036 by konrad509, translation #270703 by Eldad
- Przepraszam, gdzie jest biblioteka?Excuse me, where is the library?Tatoeba #8525011 by MCcommand, translation #3377986 by _undertoad
- Znalazłem ciekawą książkę w bibliotece.I found an interesting book in the library.
- Czy wiesz, gdzie jest biblioteka w pobliżu?Do you know where the library is nearby?
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Piotr are discussing where to study for their exams.
- MałgorzataIdziemy dzisiaj do biblioteki?Are we going to the library today?
- PiotrTak, muszę oddać kilka książek.Yes, I have to return a few books.
- MałgorzataTa biblioteka jest otwarta do wieczora.This library is open until evening.
- PiotrTo świetnie, będziemy mogli długo poczytać.That's great, we'll be able to read for a long time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “library” translations and entries biblioteka, książnica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries biblioteka, książnica, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
