Translation guide
The English word "square" covers a wide range of meanings, from shapes and locations to personality traits and mathematical concepts. This guide breaks them down into practical meanings for English-speaking learners of Japanese.
a square shape
Strictly a geometric square (equal sides and angles).
square (boring person)
Literally "too serious person"; no direct equivalent.
Referring to a square shape or something square-shaped.
a square piece of paper · draw a square · square shape
The precise geometric term for a square (four equal sides and right angles). Use this in math or formal contexts.
This shape is a square.
A more casual, everyday word for a square or rectangle. Often used for square objects.
That box is square, isn't it?
Formal term for quadrilateral; can mean square in some contexts but less common than 正方形.
Find the area of the quadrilateral.
Referring to a town square, plaza, or open area in a city.
town square · the village square · let's meet in the square
Describing someone who is old-fashioned, boring, or too rule-abiding.
he's a square · don't be such a square · she's too square for us
Japanese doesn't have a direct equivalent for "square" as a boring person. Describe them as "too serious" or "too straight-laced."
He's such a square; he doesn't get jokes.
A person who is stiff, formal, and inflexible; a bit old-fashioned.
He's a square, so he won't come to the party.
Literally "serious human"; a colloquial way to call someone a square.
You're such a square.
Describing a deal or action that is fair, honest, or straightforward.
a square deal · be square with someone · fair and square
Means fair, just, or impartial. Used for dealings, treatment, etc.
Let's make a square deal.
Means honest, truthful. Can be used for a square person or action.
He's a square guy.
Means fair, impartial. Similar to 公正 but more about equal treatment.
Let's split it square.
Being even, as in debts or scores; not owing anything.
we're square now · let's call it square · get square with someone
Describing something positioned at a right angle or perpendicular.
square with the wall · cut it square · the picture isn't square
Referring to the square of a number.
the square of 5 · x squared · square root
Describing facing or hitting something directly.
looked him square in the eye · hit square on · squarely in the middle
There is no direct Japanese word for "square" meaning a boring, conventional person. Using 四角 (shikaku) would be confusing. Instead, describe the person's traits (e.g., 真面目すぎる, 堅物).
正方形 (seihoukei) is strictly a geometric square. 四角 (shikaku) is a casual term for any four-sided shape, often square or rectangle. Use 四角 for everyday objects like boxes or rooms.
This room is square.
Let's meet at the town square.
He's a bit of a square.
We're square now.