building · hall

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 館 denotes a building or hall with a particular function; its on-reading is かん, and its kun-reading is やかた.
• Basic usage: In facility names it commonly uses かん, as in 図書館 and 旅館, which specify the building's purpose.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 図書館 / 旅館
  • 図書館: This basic facility name refers to a library where books are borrowed or read. Example: 放課後に図書館で本を借りた。
  • 旅館: This word refers to a Japanese inn that provides lodging. Example: 温泉の近くにある旅館に泊まった。