正方形
zhèngfāngxíng
The English word 'square' is translated into Chinese as 正方形 (zhèngfāngxíng).
正方形 is used to describe a shape that is specifically a geometric square.
Meaning: shaped like a square (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 正方形 (zhèngfāngxíng) is composed of 正 (straight/upright), 方 (square/side) and 形 (shape).
Which one should you use?
While 正方形 refers specifically to a geometric square, the term 方形 (fāngxíng) is a more general term used for any four-sided or rectangular shape.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 正方形 as an adjective to modify a noun, such as in 'a square table', you must add the particle 的 (de) to form 正方形的.
How do you pronounce it?
zhèngfāngxíng
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese cosmology, the 'square' 方 represented the Earth, while the 'circle' 圆 represented the Sky.
- Ancient Chinese coins were often 方圆 (fāngyuán), featuring a square hole inside a circular coin to symbolize the harmony of Earth and Heaven.
- The phrase 方正 (fāngzhèng) is used as a compliment for someone's character, meaning they are honest and strictly adhere to principles.
Examples in context
- 正方形有四个角。A square has four angles.This sentence is useful for describing the angles of a 正方形.Tatoeba #1582763 by GlossaMatik, translation #1582783 by CM
- 正方形有四條邊。A square has four sides.This sentence is useful for describing the sides of a 正方形.Tatoeba #472594 by nickyeow, translation #271699 by CK
- 请给我一块方块巧克力。Please give me a square piece of chocolate.
- 这个盒子是方形的。This box is square-shaped.
- 我们在广场上玩得很开心。We had a great time playing on the square.
- 这张桌子是正方形的。Zhè zhāng zhuōzi shì zhèngfāngxíng de.This table is square-shaped.
Example conversation
A student and a teacher are looking at a math textbook.
- 浩然 Haoran老师，这个图形是正方形吗？Lǎoshī, zhège túxíng shì zhèngfāngxíng ma?Teacher, is this shape a square?
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，浩然，它是正方形。Shì de, Hàorán, tā shì zhèngfāngxíng.Yes, Haoran, it is a square.
- 浩然 Haoran那这个长方形呢？Nà zhège chángfāngxíng ne?What about this rectangle?
- 佳怡 Jiayi这个不是正方形，是长方形。Zhège búshì zhèngfāngxíng, shì chángfāngxíng.This is not a square, it is a rectangle.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
