librería
“librería” means “bookstore” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
bookstore
Also: bookshop
📝 In Action
Hay una librería muy bonita cerca de mi casa.
A1There is a very pretty bookstore near my house.
Fuimos a la librería para comprar el nuevo libro de cocina.
A2We went to the bookstore to buy the new cookbook.
Las pequeñas librerías de barrio están desapareciendo.
B2Small neighborhood bookstores are disappearing.
bookshelf
Also: bookcase
📝 In Action
Mi librería está llena de novelas de misterio.
A2My bookshelf is full of mystery novels.
Tenemos que montar la librería nueva este fin de semana.
B1We have to assemble the new bookcase this weekend.
La librería de madera de roble es muy pesada.
B2The oak wood bookcase is very heavy.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: librería
Question 1 of 3
If you want to borrow a book for free, where should you go?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'liber' (book), combined with the Spanish suffix '-ería' which indicates a place of business or a collection.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'librería' a false friend?
Yes! It sounds like the English word 'library,' but it actually means 'bookstore.' This is one of the most common mistakes for English speakers.
Can I use 'librería' for a digital collection of books?
Usually, for digital files or software code, Spanish uses the word 'biblioteca' (e.g., 'biblioteca de fotos' or 'biblioteca de software').
How do I say 'bookseller'?
A person who works in a 'librería' is called a 'librero' (male) or 'librera' (female).