quarter; one fourth
Used for a quarter of something, often in measurements or divisions. Can refer to a quarter of a whole or a quarter of a specific unit.
Please cut this cake into quarters.
square cloth; piece of cloth
Refers to a square piece of cloth, often used in traditional contexts such as wrapping or as a handkerchief. The shape is implied by the kanji 四半 (quarter/square).
四半世紀前の出来事だ。
It happened a quarter of a century ago.
Furoshiki are often made from a square piece of cloth.
He wrapped the package in a square cloth.
quarter of a year; three-month period
quarter of a century; 25 years
quarter; one-fourth
first quarter (of the year)
second quarter (of the year)
The word 四半 is composed of 四 (four) and 半 (half), literally meaning 'four halves' or 'quarter'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination naturally suggests a quarter or a square shape.