四角

• Reading: しかく
• Romaji: shikaku
• Kanji breakdown: 四 (shi) — four; 角 (kaku) — angle, corner
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ka.kɯ/

Meaning

Square; rectangle; four-cornered shape. A basic geometric term.

Functions as a na-adjective, no-adjective, and noun. As a shape term: 四角い顔 (a square face), 四角な箱 (a rectangular box). The i-adjective form 四角い is more colloquial. Also used figuratively for someone who is rigid or inflexible: 四角四面 (excessively formal). Related: 三角 (triangle), 丸 (circle).

Examples

1. 子どもが四角い形のブロックを積んでいる。 The child is stacking square-shaped blocks.
2. テーブルの上に四角な箱が置いてある。 There's a rectangular box sitting on the table.
3. この窓は四角ではなく丸い形をしている。 This window isn't square — it's round.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, education, description

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 四 (shi, four) and 角 (kaku, angle/corner). Together, 'four corners' — the most basic description of a square or rectangular shape.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal