also: よも · よほう
noun
the four cardinal directions; north, east, south, and west; all directions
Refers to the four compass points or, by extension, every direction. Common in both literal and figurative contexts.
その塔からは四方が見渡せる。
From that tower you can see in all four directions.
敵に四方を囲まれた。
We were surrounded on all sides by the enemy.
noun
surroundings; the area around one
Only with reading しほう / よほう
Used for the immediate vicinity or environment. Often appears with を見回す or similar verbs.
彼は四方を見回してから道を渡った。
He looked around him before crossing the street.
noun
many countries; the whole world
Only with reading しほう
Literary or formal expression for 'all lands' or 'the world at large'. Not used in everyday conversation.
彼の名声は四方に知れ渡った。
His fame spread throughout the world.
noun
Only with reading よも
Archaic/literary reading よも used in classical or poetic contexts to mean 'everywhere' or 'in all directions'.
四方の海を渡る風。
The wind that crosses the seas in all directions.
noun
square; quadrilateral; four sides
Only with reading しほう / よほう
Refers to a four-sided shape or the four sides of a square. Sense 6 (four sides) is essentially a subset of this geometric meaning.
この土地は四方が道路に囲まれている。
This plot of land is surrounded by roads on all four sides.
正方形は四方が等しい。
A square has four equal sides.