noun HSK 4
Traditional 圖書
books · publications
Meaning
图书 is a formal term for books and printed publications, commonly used in official, academic, or institutional contexts. It's more formal than the everyday word 书 (shū), and you'll often see it in library names, bookstore signs, and educational settings.
Usage
Native speakers use 图书 primarily in written language or formal speech. It appears frequently in compounds like 图书馆 (library) and 图书室 (reading room). In casual conversation, people typically just say 书 instead. The term encompasses all types of books and bound publications.
Examples
- 01学校的图书馆有很多图书可以借阅。.The school library has many books available for borrowing.
- 02这家书店专门出售儿童图书。.This bookstore specializes in selling children's books.
Characters
Measure words
- 本一本图书
- 册三册图书
Common collocations
- 图书馆library
- 图书室reading room
- 图书管理员librarian
- 借阅图书to borrow books
Origin
The compound combines 图 (picture/diagram) and 书 (book/writing), originally emphasizing illustrated books or documented materials. Over time it became a general formal term for all books.