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'.
彼は真面目すぎて、冗談が通じない。
He's so square that jokes don't get through to him.
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.
これで貸し借りなしだね。
Now we're square.
Means 'stiff, formal, stuffy'. Describes a person or atmosphere that is overly rigid and not relaxed.
あの人は堅苦しくて、一緒にいても楽しくない。
That person is so square, it's no fun being with them.
Literally 'smelling old', meaning old-fashioned or outdated in thinking or style.
彼の考え方は古臭いね。
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.
彼女は遊び心がなくて、いつも仕事のことばかり考えている。
She's so square, always thinking only about work.
Slang meaning 'even' or 'cancelled out'. Very common in casual speech when debts or favors are settled.
この前の分と合わせて、これでチャラにしよう。
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.
勝ったり負けたりで、おあいこだね。
We've been winning and losing, so we're square.