库

• Pinyin: kù
• Hanzi breakdown: 库 = 广 (building/shelter) + 车 (vehicle), originally a place to store chariots

Meaning

Warehouse; storehouse; repository. A place for storing goods or data.

Originally meant a physical storehouse for goods. Now also used in computing for databases (数据库), code libraries (代码库), and repositories. Common in compound words like 仓库 (warehouse), 国库 (national treasury), and 车库 (garage).

Examples

1. 仓库里存放着大量的货物。 A large amount of goods is stored in the warehouse.
2. 程序员需要学会使用各种代码库。 Programmers need to learn to use various code libraries.
3. 国家图书馆的书库有几百万册藏书。 The National Library's book repository contains millions of volumes.

Usage Guide

Context: storage, computing, business

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 把这些货放进库里。(Put these goods in the warehouse.)
• 这个项目用的什么数据库？(What database does this project use?)

Don't Say

• 我的房间是一个库。(For a messy room, don't use 库 — use 仓库 metaphorically or just describe it directly)

Origin & History

库 = 广 (building) + 车 (vehicle). Originally depicted a building for storing chariots or vehicles.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal