辺
hen[hẽ̞ɴ]
In Japanese, the English phrase "side" can be translated as 辺 (hen) or 境界線 (kyōkaisen).
Meaning: bounding straight edge of an object (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 辺 | hen | [hẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 境界線 | kyōkaisen | [kʲo̞ːka̠isẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
The term 辺 is the standard term used in geometry to refer to the sides of polygons like triangles or squares. It describes the bounding straight edge of an object.
Which one should you use?
While 辺 refers to the physical edge or side of a geometric shape, 境界線 refers to a boundary line or a dividing line between two areas.
How do you pronounce it?
hen
Did you know?
- The word for 'you' in Japanese, 貴方 (anata), contains a component 方 (kata) that historically referred to a 'side' or 'direction' rather than a person.
- The term 境界線 (kyōkaisen) is used not only for physical maps but also metaphorically to describe the 'line' one must not cross in social etiquette or professional boundaries.
- While 辺 can mean a geometric side, it can also function as a suffix to mean 'around' or 'somewhere in the vicinity of' a specific place.
Examples in context
- 箱の辺が少し曲がっています。Hako no hen ga sukoshi magatte imasu.The edge of the box is a little bent.
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are studying geometry together.
- 結衣 Yui大翔、この図形の辺を塗りましょう。Hiroto, kono zukei no hen o nurimashou.Hiroto, let's color the sides of this figure.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいよ。どの辺を塗るの？Ii yo. Dono hen o nuru no?Okay. Which side should I color?
- 結衣 Yui一番長い辺を赤くしてね。Ichiban nagai hen o akaku shite ne.Make the longest side red.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかった。ここだね。Wakatta. Koko da ne.Got it. It's this one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “side” translations and entries 辺, 境界線, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 辺, CC BY-SA 4.0.
