Translation guide
A quadrilateral is a four-sided polygon. In Japanese, the general term is 四角形 (shikakukei), but specific shapes like squares and rectangles are more common in daily life.
Referring to any shape with four straight sides, such as in geometry or general description.
In daily conversation, English 'quadrilateral' is rarely used; instead, people refer to specific shapes like squares or rectangles. This meaning covers when you want to describe something as four-sided in a non-technical way.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers rarely use 四角形 (shikakukei). Instead, they use 四角 (shikaku) for square/rectangular shapes, or specific terms like 正方形 (seihoukei, square) and 長方形 (chouhoukei, rectangle). Use 四角形 only in mathematical or formal contexts.
The standard mathematical term for any quadrilateral. Used in geometry and formal contexts.
四角形には正方形や長方形などがあります。
Quadrilaterals include squares and rectangles.
A less common synonym for quadrilateral, literally 'four-side shape'. Mainly in technical contexts.
この四辺形の面積を求めなさい。
Find the area of this quadrilateral.
Common word for 'square' or 'rectangle' in everyday language. Often used for objects with four corners, not strictly geometric.
この箱は四角い形をしています。
This box has a square shape.
Adjective meaning 'square' or 'rectangular'. Used to describe the shape of objects.
四角いテーブルを買いました。
I bought a square table.