The Spanish 'librería' is NOT the English 'library'. They are false friends.
Noun. A building or room where you can borrow books for free. A public institution that lends books. In Spanish: biblioteca.
I borrowed three books from the library.
Pedí prestados tres libros de la biblioteca.
The library closes at 8 p.m.
La biblioteca cierra a las 8 p.m.
She studies at the university library every day.
Ella estudia en la biblioteca universitaria todos los días.
Noun. A shop where you can BUY books. The exact equivalent of Spanish 'librería'.
I bought this novel at the bookstore.
Compré esta novela en la librería.
The new bookstore downtown has a great selection.
La nueva librería del centro tiene una gran selección.
She works part-time at a bookstore.
Ella trabaja a tiempo parcial en una librería.
Common mistake
Saying 'library' when you mean a place to buy books. Wrong: "I went to the library to buy a new novel." (correct: I went to the bookstore.)
Trick to remember it
'Library' = FREE to borrow. 'Bookstore' = STORE where you pay. Think: bookstore = book + store (a store that sells books). Library = lending institution where everything is free.
Quick rule
Going to borrow books for free? That is the library (biblioteca). Going to buy books? That is the bookstore (librería).
Did you know?
In British English, the place to buy books is called a 'bookshop', not a 'bookstore'. 'Bookstore' is more common in American English. The store/shop difference is a typical US vs UK vocabulary split. Both are correct and widely understood.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
I need to return these books before the deadline. I'm going to the _____.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
I want to buy a new novel. Let's go to the _____.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Going to borrow books for free? That is the library (biblioteca). Going to buy books? That is the bookstore (librería).
Saying 'library' when you mean a place to buy books. Wrong: "I went to the library to buy a new novel." (correct: I went to the bookstore.)
'Library' = FREE to borrow. 'Bookstore' = STORE where you pay. Think: bookstore = book + store (a store that sells books). Library = lending institution where everything is free.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy