Translation and Meaning of: 長方形 - chouhoukei

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 長方形[ちょうほうけい]. It may seem complex at first glance, but its meaning is quite simple and useful in everyday life. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in Japan, and some tips for memorizing it effectively. Furthermore, we will see how it appears in everyday contexts and why it is important to know it for those studying the language.

The term 長方形 [ちょうほうけい] is a word that describes a common geometric object, but its structure in kanji and its pronunciation can cause confusion. Here, you will discover not only its literal translation but also how the Japanese use it in different situations. Whether it's to understand animes, read signs, or simply expand your vocabulary, this guide will help you master this term once and for all.

Meaning and translation of 長方形 (chōhōkei) - Rectangle

The term 長方形 [ちょうほうけい] is composed of three kanjis: 長 (long), 方 (side/direction), and 形 (shape). Together, they form the word that means "rectangle." In other words, it is the term used to describe a geometric figure with four sides, where the angles are right and the opposite sides have the same length. If you have studied geometry, you will immediately recognize the concept behind this word.

It is worth noting that 長方形 does not refer to any quadrilateral, but specifically to a rectangle. In Japan, this term is widely used in textbooks, math classes, and even in everyday conversations when discussing object shapes. If you are constructing sentences in Japanese and need to describe something rectangular, such as a table or a book, this is the correct word to use.

Everyday use and practical examples

In daily life, Japanese people use 長方形 in various situations. For example, when buying furniture, it is common to hear phrases like "このテーブルは長方形です" (This table is rectangular). Similarly, in school environments, children learn to identify geometric shapes using this term from an early age. If you visit Japan, you may find it on signs, instruction manuals, or even menus describing the shape of dishes.

Another context in which 長方形 appears frequently is in technology. Many devices, such as smartphones and televisions, have rectangular screens, and the word may come up in technical specifications or discussions about design. Knowing its meaning helps not only in basic communication but also in more technical situations, such as when reading documentation for electronic products in Japanese.

Tips for memorizing 長方形

An effective way to remember 長方形 is to break down its kanji. As we saw, 長 means "long", 方 can be associated with "side" or "direction", and 形 represents "shape". By combining these meanings, it's easier to remember that the word refers to a shape with long sides — that is, a rectangle. This association technique is especially useful for those starting to learn kanji.

Another tip is to practice with objects around you. Try to identify rectangular items — like books, doors, or windows — and name them in Japanese using 長方形. The more you repeat this exercise, the more natural the use of the word will become. Additionally, apps like Suki Nihongo offer flashcards and interactive exercises that can help with memorizing terms like this.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 四角形 (shikakukei) - Two-dimensional shape with four sides; quadrilateral.
• 矩形 (kyokei) - Quadrilateral with right angles; rectangle.
• レクタングル (rekutangu) - The term in English for "retângulo" is "rectangle"; common in design and technology.

長方形

Romaji: chouhoukei
Kana: ちょうほうけい
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: rectangle; oblong

Meaning in English: rectangle;oblong

Definition: A figure with four right angles and opposite sides parallel.

Example Sentences - (長方形) chouhoukei

See below some example sentences:

この部屋のテーブルは長方形の形をしています。

Kono heya no teburu wa chouhoukei no katachi o shite imasu

The table in this room is in the shape of a rectangle.

The table in this room has a rectangular shape.

• この部屋の - indicates that the sentence refers to something inside this quarto
• テーブル - table
• は - partícula that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, the table
• 長方形 - Rectangle
• の - partícula that indicates possession, in this case, the shape of the table
• 形 - Form
• を - particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case, the shape of the table
• しています - verb that indicates that the table has the shape of a rectangle