Translation guide
The English phrase 'be square' can mean 'to be a boring, conventional person' or 'to be even/equal (in a financial sense)'. This guide covers both meanings with natural Japanese expressions.
Describing someone who is old-fashioned, uncool, or overly serious, often in a playful or critical way.
Literally 'too serious'. Commonly used to describe someone who is overly earnest and lacks a sense of fun, similar to 'square'.
Describing a situation where debts are paid or accounts are balanced, often in informal contexts.
Literally 'no lending or borrowing'. Used when two parties are even, with no outstanding debts.
He's so square that jokes don't get through to him.
Means 'stiff, formal, stuffy'. Describes a person or atmosphere that is overly rigid and not relaxed.
That person is so square, it's no fun being with them.
Literally 'smelling old', meaning old-fashioned or outdated in thinking or style.
His way of thinking is so square.
Means 'lacking a playful spirit'. Used when someone is too serious and doesn't know how to have fun.
She's so square, always thinking only about work.
Now we're square.
Slang meaning 'even' or 'cancelled out'. Very common in casual speech when debts or favors are settled.
Let's call it square with this, including what happened before.
Means 'even, quits'. Often used in games or when exchanging favors, implying a balanced state.
We've been winning and losing, so we're square.