square
square — 動詞
- squarepresent simple I / you / we / they
- squares3rd person singular
- squaring-ing form
- squaredpast simple
1. to take a number and times it by itself to find its product — for instance, thre
求平方；自乘
將數字或代數式乘以自身
to take a number and times it by itself to find its product — for instance, three squared (3²) gives nine
Ezra squared seven in his head and got forty-nine.
Ezra 在腦中計算七的平方，得出四十九。
square + number + in one's head (mental calculation)
The teacher asked the class to square the number twelve.
老師要求全班計算數字十二的平方。
Chidi squared each side of the garden to calculate the total area.
Chidi 計算了花園每邊長度的平方，以求出總面積。
In the formula, you first square the value of x before adding it.
在這個公式中，你必須先將 x 的值平方之後再加進去。
When you square the number two, the result is four.
當你把數字二平方時，結果就是四。
- raise to the power of two
more formal mathematical term
- times by itself
informal, used in everyday speech
- take the square root of
the inverse mathematical operation
文法句型
square + number/expression
常見錯誤
❌ 'She squared the number.' (when context is unclear) — For clarity, specify which number: 'She squared the number seven.'
2. to bring your shoulders upward and backward to show you feel ready and determine
挺起；繃緊
挺起肩膀以展現決心
to bring your shoulders upward and backward to show you feel ready and determined to deal with something difficult
Before the big speech, Reema squared her shoulders and stepped onto the stage.
在重大演講之前，Reema 挺起肩膀，踏上舞台。
square one's shoulders before a difficult task
The soldiers squared their shoulders as the general walked past.
士兵們在將軍經過時挺起肩膀。
Nicholas squared his shoulders and told the truth about the accident.
Nicholas 挺起肩膀，說出了關於那場事故的實話。
Standing at the starting line, Élise squared her shoulders and waited for the signal.
站在起跑線上，Élise 挺起肩膀，等待著信號。
- brace
less specific, can refer to physical or mental preparation
- straighten
refers only to the physical posture, without the sense of determination
文法句型
square one's shoulders
square + possessive + shoulders
用法筆記
The object of this sense is almost always 'shoulders'. The phrase is used to show that someone is gathering courage or determination before doing something difficult.
常見錯誤
3. to make something square or rectangular in shape, or to bring its edges or corne
使成方形
將某物修整成方形或直角
to make something square or rectangular in shape, or to bring its edges or corners into a right angle
Cole used a saw to square the edges of the wooden board.
Cole 用鋸子將木板的邊緣修成直角。
square + physical object (edges/corners)
The carpenter squared the corner of the frame with a measuring tool.
木匠用測量工具將框架的角落調整為直角。
Hamza squared the stone blocks so they would fit together neatly.
Hamza 將石塊修整成方形，讓它們能整齊地拼合在一起。
Before fixing the shelf, Ilan squared the bracket against the wall.
在固定層板之前，Ilan 將托架對準牆面。
- trim square
more specific, means cutting to achieve a square shape
- align
broader meaning, not limited to right angles
文法句型
square + physical object
square + noun (edges, corners, blocks)
用法筆記
Common in woodworking, construction, and stonecutting contexts. Often appears in instructions or descriptions of how to prepare materials for assembly.
4. to pay back money that you owe, or to settle a disagreement or rivalry by doing
結清；結算
結清債務或帳目
to pay back money that you owe, or to settle a disagreement or rivalry by doing something that makes the situation fair again
Valentina squared her account with the bank before leaving the country.
在離開這個國家之前，Valentina 向銀行結清了帳戶。
square + account/debt with [institution/person]
Quan squared the dinner bill by paying for both meals.
Quan 支付了兩份餐點的費用，結清了晚餐帳單。
After years of disagreement, the two brothers finally squared things between them.
經過多年的爭執，這對兄弟終於把事情說開了。
The boxer squared the score in the third fight after losing the first two matches.
在連輸前兩場比賽之後，這位拳擊手在第三場比賽中扳平了戰績。
Erik squared the debt by helping his neighbour repair her car.
Erik 透過幫鄰居修理汽車來償還債務。
- owe
the state before the debt is settled
文法句型
square + debt/account/score + with + person
square + bill/account
用法筆記
In financial contexts the object is typically a bill, debt, or account. In sports or rivalry contexts, 'square the score' means to make the competition even again.
常見錯誤
5. to be consistent or in agreement with something — for example, when a person's s
相符；一致
與某事相符或一致
to be consistent or in agreement with something — for example, when a person's story matches the facts, or when an action fits with a principle
Xiu's explanation did not square with the facts that the police found.
Xiu 的解釋與警方發現的事實不符。
does not square with + facts/evidence
Erik squared his actions with his conscience before making the final choice.
Erik 在做出最終決定之前，先確認自己的行為符合良心。
square something with [principle/conscience]
The witness's story squares with what the security camera recorded.
證人的說詞與監視器當晚拍到的畫面一致。
We need to square the budget figures with last year's spending report.
我們需要將預算數字與去年的支出報告進行比對。
- match
more general; can apply to appearance, colour, or facts
- correspond
slightly more formal, used for systematic comparisons
- align with
often used for goals, values, or principles
- contradict
stronger opposite, implies direct opposition
- conflict with
suggests incompatibility rather than mere difference
文法句型
something squares with something
something does not square with something
square something with something
用法筆記
Frequently appears in negative constructions ('doesn't square with', 'how can you square that with?') and questions. The preposition 'with' is always required when showing what two things are compared.
常見錯誤
square — 名詞
- squaresingular
- squaresplural
1. a two-dimensional figure that has four straight sides of the same length and fou
正方形
四邊等長、四角皆為直角的平面形狀
a two-dimensional figure that has four straight sides of the same length and four corners, each forming a 90-degree angle
The children drew a square with each side measuring five centimeters in their math lesson.
孩子們在數學課上畫了一個邊長五公分的正方形。
countable: draw a square / a square has four sides
A square is a special kind of rectangle because all four sides are equal.
正方形是一種特殊的長方形，因為它的四條邊都一樣長。
Jiwoo cut a square out of green paper to make the window for her model house.
Jiwoo 從綠色紙上剪下一個正方形，用來做她的模型屋的窗戶。
The teacher showed how to find the area of a square by multiplying one side by itself.
老師示範如何將一條邊乘以自己來計算正方形的面積。
A chessboard contains sixty-four small squares in alternating black and white.
西洋棋棋盤上有六十四個黑白相間的小正方形。
文法句型
a square
squares (plural)
用法筆記
Commonly used in math contexts. To express area of a square, use 'the area of a square' or 'area = side × side'.
常見錯誤
2. any object or piece of material that has a roughly square shape, such as a piece
方形物
呈正方形的物體或材料
any object or piece of material that has a roughly square shape, such as a piece of fabric, glass, cake, or chocolate
Tuan cut the cake into small squares and offered one to each guest.
Tuan 把蛋糕切成小方塊，分給每位客人一塊。
countable: a square of cake / cut into squares
Beatriz laid the square of silk fabric on the table to check its color in the light.
Beatriz 把那塊方形絲綢布料攤在桌上，藉光線檢查顏色。
Iker placed a square of dark chocolate on top of each bowl of ice cream.
Iker 在每碗冰淇淋上放了一塊黑巧克力。
The old window had six glass squares, and one of them was cracked.
舊窗戶有六塊玻璃方格，其中一塊裂開了。
Nila folded the square of paper into a tiny origami bird.
Nila 把那張方形紙摺成一隻小巧的摺紙鳥。
文法句型
a square of [material/food]
用法筆記
Followed by 'of' plus a material, food, or substance. Common in cooking, crafts, and construction contexts.
3. a single area among many on a game board where players put their game pieces or
棋盤方格
棋盤或遊戲板上的格子
a single area among many on a game board where players put their game pieces or land their tokens during play
Mark rolled the dice and moved his red piece forward three squares on the board.
Mark 擲了骰子，把紅色棋子往前移動了三格。
move X squares / land on a square
In chess, every square has a name such as e4 or h8 to identify its position.
在西洋棋中，每個格子都有名稱，例如 e4 或 h8，用來辨識位置。
Zola landed on the last square of the game and shouted with joy.
Zola 走到了遊戲板的最後一格，高興地大叫。
The children jumped their tokens from square to square in the brightly colored board game.
孩子們在色彩繽紛的遊戲板上一格一格地跳著他們的棋子。
Adina counted the squares carefully to make sure she did not miss the shortcut.
Adina 仔細數著格子，確保自己不會錯過捷徑。
文法句型
a square
on a square
land on a square
move X squares
用法筆記
Used for both abstract board positions (chess) and numbered path spaces (dice games). The phrase 'from square to square' describes step-by-step movement.
4. a metal or plastic tool with two straight edges meeting at a 90-degree angle, us
直角尺
用來畫或檢查直角的手工具
a metal or plastic tool with two straight edges meeting at a 90-degree angle, used by workers such as carpenters to draw or test whether a corner forms a perfect right angle
Walid used a square to check that the corner of the bookshelf was perfectly straight.
Walid 用直角尺檢查書架的角落是否完全筆直。
use a square to check / test a right angle
The carpenter placed the square against the wooden plank to mark the cut.
木匠把直角尺靠在木板上，標出了切割線。
Obi keeps his square and measuring tape in the top drawer of his workbench.
Obi 把直角尺和捲尺放在工作檯最上層的抽屜裡。
Before cutting the pipe, Chidi held a square against it to draw a straight line across.
Chidi 在切割管子之前，先拿著直角尺在管子上畫了一條直線。
- try square
a specific type of square tool with a blade and stock, used in woodworking
- set square
a triangular tool used in technical drawing to draw right angles
文法句型
a square
use a square
a square (tool name)
用法筆記
Often called a 'try square' or 'set square' for more specific types. The tool measures right angles, not the headword's geometric meaning.
5. a public open area found in towns and cities, commonly bordered by structures or
廣場
城鎮中四周有建築物的開放公共空間
a public open area found in towns and cities, commonly bordered by structures or roadways and frequently featuring a garden, a water fountain, a statue, or a marketplace
The town square is full of people every Saturday morning during the farmers' market.
每個星期六早上農夫市集的時候，鎮上的廣場擠滿了人。
the town square / main square
Jiwoo sat on a bench in the square and watched children play near the fountain.
Jiwoo 坐在廣場的長椅上，看著孩子們在噴泉旁玩耍。
Beatriz took a photo of the old church at the end of the square.
Beatriz 拍了那座位於廣場盡頭的古老教堂。
The hotel is located on the main square, just a few steps from the art museum.
那家飯店位於主廣場上，距離美術館只有幾步路。
After dinner, the Okonkwo family walked to the square to listen to the street musicians.
晚餐後，Okonkwo 一家走到廣場上聽街頭音樂表演。
文法句型
the square
a square
the town square
main square
用法筆記
In place names it is often capitalized (e.g., Trafalgar Square, Tiananmen Square). Use 'in the square' for being inside the open area, and 'on the square' when giving a location address such as a hotel or cafe.
6. someone whose tastes and habits are conventional and who shows little interest i
古板的人
不接受新潮思想或作風的保守者
someone whose tastes and habits are conventional and who shows little interest in modern trends, new experiences, or adventurous activities
Tuan's colleagues think he is a square because he never tries new food or goes to parties.
Tuan 的同事認為他是個古板的人，因為他從不嘗試新食物，也不去派對。
be a square (informal, disapproving)
My brother called me a square when I refused to climb the wall with his friends.
我哥哥說我是個老古板，因為我不肯跟他的朋友們一起去攀牆。
Adina felt like a square among her artistic friends, who loved strange modern paintings.
Adina 在她那群熱愛怪異現代畫作的藝術家朋友當中，覺得自己是個古板的人。
Don't be such a square — come try the new noodle shop with us!
別這麼古板——跟我們一起去試試那家新開的麵店吧！
- conservative
less informal; describes a person who prefers traditional values in style and behavior
- traditionalist
a neutral term for someone who follows established customs and resists change
- hipster
someone who follows alternative, modern, or unconventional trends in fashion, music, and lifestyle
文法句型
a square
be a square
用法筆記
Dated slang from the 1950s and 60s jazz and beatnik culture, still understood but less common in modern speech. Used humorously or affectionately among friends. Distinguish from the adjective sense (adj/8) which describes the person's character rather than labeling the person directly.
常見錯誤
7. in mathematics, the value that you get when a number is multiplied by itself — f
平方
某數自乘所得的數值
in mathematics, the value that you get when a number is multiplied by itself — for example, 25 is the square of 5, because 5 × 5 = 25.
To find the square of 7, simply multiply 7 by 7 to get 49.
要找出 7 的平方，只要將 7 乘以 7 就會得到 49。
to-infinitive pattern: to find the square of
Padma calculated the square of 12 during her maths exam.
Padma 在數學考試中計算了 12 的平方。
Nine is the square of three, so a 3×3 grid contains nine small squares.
9 是 3 的平方，因此一個 3×3 的方格包含了九個小格子。
The class found the square of each number from one to ten.
全班找出了一到十每個數字的平方。
Haruto checked his answer: 144 is the square of 12.
Haruto 核對了他的答案：144 是 12 的平方。
- second power
more formal; used in technical math writing
- square root
the value which, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number
文法句型
the square of [number]
用法筆記
Frequently used with the preposition 'of' (the square of three). In mathematical writing, it is often written as a number with an exponent of 2 — for example, 3² is read as 'three squared' or 'the square of three'.
常見錯誤
square — 形容詞
- squarepositive
- squarercomparative
- squarestsuperlative
1. having four straight sides that are all the same length and four corners where t
方形的
四邊等長且有四個直角的形狀
having four straight sides that are all the same length and four corners where two sides meet at 90° — in other words, shaped like a square.
The children drew a square house with a red roof and a chimney.
孩子們畫了一間方形的房子，有紅色屋頂和煙囪。
attributive: square + noun (square house)
Nila cut the birthday cake into square pieces so that everyone got an equal share.
Nila 把生日蛋糕切成方形小塊，讓每個人都分到一樣多。
The wooden table in the kitchen was square, with each side measuring exactly one metre.
廚房裡那張木頭桌子是正方形的，每一邊剛好都是一公尺長。
Tendai bought a square rug for the living room and put it under the coffee table.
Tendai 買了一塊方形地毯鋪在客廳，放在咖啡桌下面。
The postcard had a square shape with a picture of the beach on the front.
那張明信片是正方形的，正面印著沙灘的圖案。
- four-sided
less common; describes any shape with four sides, not necessarily equal
文法句型
square + noun
be + square
常見錯誤
2. follows a number together with a unit of length, telling you the total area of a
平方的
用於面積計算的長度單位
follows a number together with a unit of length, telling you the total area of a surface or space — for instance, saying a flat is 60 square metres means its floor covers 60 one-by-one-metre blocks.
The one-bedroom apartment was only forty-five square metres but felt very spacious.
那間一房公寓只有四十五平方公尺，但感覺非常寬敞。
pattern: number + unit + square + noun as complement
Liang calculated that the garden covered about two hundred square feet.
Liang 計算出花園的面積大約是兩百平方英尺。
The new city park will cover ten thousand square metres of green space.
新的城市公園將占地一萬平方公尺的綠地。
The storage room was a small space of just nine square metres.
儲物室只是一個九平方公尺的小空間。
Vinícius said the factory floor measured over five thousand square feet.
Vinícius 說工廠地板的面積超過五千平方英尺。
文法句型
number + unit + square + noun
用法筆記
The noun after "square" always names the thing being measured (e.g. metres, feet). The number must come before the unit — you cannot say "square 50 metres".
常見錯誤
3. comes right after a length measurement to show you that every edge of the square
見方的
表示正方形每一邊的長度
comes right after a length measurement to show you that every edge of the square object measures that same length — for instance, a window described as two feet square has edges two feet long.
The guest room was three metres square, with windows on two walls.
客房是三公尺見方，兩面牆上有窗戶。
pattern: number + unit + square (postpositive)
Roya bought a kitchen table one metre square, just big enough for two people.
Roya 買了一張一公尺見方的廚房餐桌，剛好夠兩個人用。
The picture frame was twelve inches square and held a family photograph.
那個畫框是十二英寸見方，裡面放了一張家庭合照。
The garden plot was five feet square, just enough space for growing vegetables.
那塊菜園是五英尺見方，剛好夠種蔬菜。
The window above the sink was two feet square and let in plenty of morning light.
水槽上方的窗戶是兩英尺見方，白天光線充足。
文法句型
number + unit + square
用法筆記
The word order is key to telling this sense apart from sense 2 (area measurement). Compare: "a 3-metre square table" (area, 9 m²) vs "a 3 metres square table" (each side 3 m). In practice, writers often use "by" to avoid confusion: "a table 3 metres by 3 metres".
常見錯誤
4. at the same level or position as a competitor or opponent in a contest, game, or
不相上下
競爭中分數或進度相等
at the same level or position as a competitor or opponent in a contest, game, or task — neither side is ahead in points, goals, progress, or position.
After the second round of the quiz, the two teams were all square.
第二輪問答比賽結束後，兩隊打成平手。
predicative: be all square
Ezra and Yael were square after the first exam, both scoring eighty-seven percent.
Ezra 和 Yael 第一次考試成績不相上下，兩人都考了八十七分。
The two companies were square in the race for the new contract.
兩家公司在新合約的競爭中不相上下。
With only one round left, the three finalists were still all square.
只剩最後一輪時，三位決賽選手仍不分高下。
The young runners were square as they approached the final bend of the race.
年輕的跑者們跑到最後彎道時仍不分高下。
The basketball teams were square at seventy points with two minutes left on the clock.
兩支籃球隊在比賽剩下兩分鐘時以七十分打成平手。
After Vinícius scored, the match was square at two goals each.
Vinícius 進球之後，比賽以二比二平手。
The score was square going into the final round of the tournament.
進入錦標賽最後一輪時，比數仍不分高下。
Mira's team pulled ahead, but the other side scored again to make it square.
Mira 的隊伍一度領先，但另一方又進球扳成了平手。
The tennis match was all square after three sets, so a deciding set was needed.
那場網球賽打完三盤後仍不分勝負，因此需要進行決勝盤。
- even
more general and more common; can describe any equal state
- level
similar meaning, often used in sports contexts
- neck and neck
idiomatic; emphasises a close race or competition
- tied
more common in American English; can be used for any equal score
- drawn
British English; used when a match ends with equal scores
文法句型
be (all) square
用法筆記
This sense covers both general competition contexts (exam results, business) and sports scores (goals, points). In sports, 'square' is often followed by 'at' plus the score, e.g., 'square at two goals each'. Distinguish from sense 5 (DEBT SETTLED) which is about financial balance between people.
常見錯誤
5. with all money owed paid back in full, so that neither side owes anything to the
互不相欠的
債務還清，雙方不欠錢
with all money owed paid back in full, so that neither side owes anything to the other — used between two people who have settled a financial account.
You paid for dinner and I bought the movie tickets, so we are square.
你付了晚餐錢，我買了電影票，所以我們互不相欠。
predicative: be square for debt settlement
Walid lent Brian fifty dollars, but Brian paid him back yesterday, so they are all square.
Walid 借了 Brian 五十塊錢，但 Brian 昨天還他了，所以他們現在互不相欠。
After settling the restaurant bill, everyone transferred their share and we were all square.
結完餐廳帳單後，每個人都轉了自己的那份錢，我們就互不相欠了。
Here is the money I owe you — that makes us square, right?
這是你欠我的錢——這樣我們就兩清了吧？
Dewi checked the shared bills to confirm that everything was square with her roommate.
Dewi 核對了共同帳單，確認她和室友之間的帳目都結清了。
文法句型
be (all) square
用法筆記
This sense only applies to people, not to bank accounts or credit cards. For financial accounts you would say "settled" or "balanced" instead.
常見錯誤
6. positioned so that something forms a straight line or a straight edge with anoth
成直線的
與參照物成一直線的
positioned so that something forms a straight line or a straight edge with another thing, without any part sticking out or being crooked.
Marta lined up the chairs so they were square with the wall.
Marta 將椅子排好，讓它們與牆壁成一直線。
square with [something] — aligned in a straight line
Make sure the edge of the paper is square with the desk before you start cutting.
在開始裁剪之前，要先確認紙張的邊緣與桌面對齊。
The tiles need to be laid perfectly square, or the pattern will look wrong.
磁磚必須鋪得筆直，否則圖案會歪掉。
Niran checked that the picture frame was square with the corner of the room.
Niran 檢查畫框是否與房間的角落對齊。
用法筆記
Often followed by 'with' to indicate what object serves as the reference line.
常見錯誤
7. describing someone who avoids new or exciting ideas, follows conventional rules,
古板的
形容不喜歡新潮事物的人
describing someone who avoids new or exciting ideas, follows conventional rules, and is seen as dull or out of touch by people who enjoy modern trends.
My uncle is so square — he thinks video games are a waste of time.
我叔叔真是古板——他覺得打電動是在浪費時間。
informal pattern: 'so square' for emphasis
The teenagers called their teacher square because she did not know any popular music.
那些青少年說他們的老師很古板，因為她一首流行歌都不認識。
Mizuki refused to wear bright colours to the party; her friends said she was being square.
Mizuki 拒絕穿鮮豔的顏色去參加派對，她的朋友說她太古板了。
Nora left the rock concert early, and her roommate joked she was a bit square.
Nora 提早離開了搖滾演唱會，因為她受不了噪音，室友開玩笑說 Nora 有點老古板。
- old-fashioned
more neutral; can describe ideas or styles without judging the person
- straight-laced
stronger negative connotation; suggests rigid moral rules
- conservative
broader; can describe political or social views, not just taste
- trendy
eager to follow the latest fashions
- hip
slang for being aware of and accepting new cultural trends
- progressive
open to new ideas, especially in social values
用法筆記
This sense is somewhat dated in modern slang; 'old-fashioned', 'conservative', or 'straight-laced' are more common alternatives today.
常見錯誤
8. describing two lines or flat surfaces that come together to make a 90-degree cor
直角的
與另一條線或面呈九十度的
describing two lines or flat surfaces that come together to make a 90-degree corner, like the walls meeting a floor.
The carpenter checked that the corner was square before nailing the boards together.
木匠先確認角落是直角，才把木板釘在一起。
square = at a right angle in woodworking
Takeshi used a tool to make sure the fence posts were square with the ground.
Takeshi 用工具確認籬笆樁子與地面垂直。
The architect drew a square corner between the wall and the floor on her blueprint.
建築師在藍圖上畫出牆壁與地板之間的直角。
The table wobbled because its legs were not perfectly square with the tabletop.
那張桌子會搖晃，因為桌腿與桌面沒有完全垂直。
- right-angled
more technical; explicitly states 90 degrees
- perpendicular
formal geometric term for lines meeting at 90 degrees
- oblique
at an angle other than 90 degrees
- out of square
construction term meaning not at a right angle
用法筆記
Common in woodworking, construction, and geometry. The opposite is 'out of square' — meaning not at a right angle.
常見錯誤
9. having a body shape that is wide, solid, and sturdy rather than slim or curved —
寬闊結實的
形容體格寬厚壯碩的
having a body shape that is wide, solid, and sturdy rather than slim or curved — often used to describe shoulders, a jaw, or a person's general build that suggests physical strength.
The boxer had broad square shoulders that made him look very powerful.
那位拳擊手有著寬闊結實的肩膀，讓他看起來很有力量。
square shoulders = broad, strong shoulders
Trang had a square jaw and a confident walk that impressed the interviewers.
Trang 有著方正的臉龐和自信的步伐，讓面試官印象深刻。
The rugby player had a square, solid build that helped him push through tackles.
那位橄欖球員身材厚實壯碩，幫助他在衝撞中突破防線。
The old wooden chair had square arms and a thick back that had lasted for decades.
那張舊木椅有寬厚的扶手和結實的椅背，用了幾十年都沒壞。
用法筆記
Describing someone as having a 'square build' is neutral or positive — it suggests strength and sturdiness, not heaviness. Also used for furniture and objects with a broad, solid shape.
常見錯誤
10. acting in an honest and just manner, especially in business or financial matters
公平正直的
特別指在交易往來中誠實公正的
acting in an honest and just manner, especially in business or financial matters — without trickery, hidden fees, or unfair advantage over others.
The car dealer gave us a square deal and even pointed out a small problem with the engine.
那位車商給了我們一個公道的價格，還主動指出引擎的一個小問題。
square deal = honest, fair transaction
The landlord was known for being square with his tenants, never charging extra fees without warning.
那位房東對房客向來公平，從不無預警收取額外費用。
Asher promised to be square with his business partner about the costs from the start.
Asher 從一開始就向合夥人承諾，在費用問題上會坦誠相待。
Eitan refused to lie on the tax form because he believed in being square in all money matters.
Eitan 拒絕在報稅表上說謊，因為他認為在錢的事情上要正直。
- crooked
informal; dishonest, especially in business or politics
- unscrupulous
formal; having no moral principles
- shady
informal; suspicious, possibly dishonest
用法筆記
Often appears in the fixed phrase 'a square deal' or 'square with someone'. This sense is less common in everyday speech — 'fair' and 'honest' are more frequent alternatives, but 'square' adds a slightly informal, trustworthy tone.
常見錯誤
11. in a position that is parallel to a reference line or exactly at the same height
對齊的
與參照物平行或在同一平面上的
in a position that is parallel to a reference line or exactly at the same height as something else, with no tilt or gap — often used for shelves, pictures, or surfaces that need to be even with each other.
Obi adjusted the shelf until it was square with the one below it.
Obi 調整了層板，直到它與下面的那塊對齊為止。
square with = level with, at the same height
The two bookcases stand square against the wall, leaving no gap between them.
兩個書櫃靠牆排齊，中間沒有留下空隙。
Make sure the cutting board is square on the counter before you start chopping vegetables.
要在砧板平放在流理臺上之後，再開始切菜。
Sade hung the painting so that its frame was square with the top of the window.
Sade 將畫掛好，讓畫框的上緣與窗戶頂端對齊。
- uneven
not level; at different heights
- crooked
not straight; at an angle
- off-centre
not aligned with the central reference
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 4 (even/equal in score or debt). This sense is about physical alignment — use 'square with' followed by the reference object. Frequently used in DIY, decorating, and construction contexts.
常見錯誤
12. describes a meal that is large and filling enough to properly satisfy your hunge
豐盛
份量充足且能讓人吃飽的
describes a meal that is large and filling enough to properly satisfy your hunger, rather than being just a small snack or a light bite
After hiking all day, Marta was ready for a square meal at the village inn.
Marta 在山上健行了一整天後，準備在村莊旅館吃一頓豐盛的餐食。
square + meal as a fixed collocation
The children ate only snacks all day, so Constanza gave them a square meal.
孩子們整天只吃零食，所以 Constanza 給了他們一頓豐盛的飯菜。
For a good start to the day, eat a square meal with eggs and toast.
想讓一天有好的開始，早餐就吃一頓有雞蛋和吐司的豐盛餐點。
Eli told his roommate that instant noodles are not a square meal for dinner.
Eli 告訴室友，泡麵不能當作晚餐的豐盛正餐。
Without a square meal at lunchtime, Hassan felt too weak to finish his afternoon work.
午餐沒吃一頓紮實的飯菜，Hassan 覺得下午沒有力氣完成工作。
- hearty
more common and general; works with many food nouns
- substantial
more formal; can describe things other than food
- filling
focuses on the feeling of being full after eating
文法句型
square + meal / breakfast / lunch / dinner
用法筆記
Restricted to the noun 'meal' and specific meal names ('breakfast', 'lunch', 'dinner'). Cannot be used with other food nouns such as 'sandwich' or 'soup'.
常見錯誤
square — 副詞
1. in a direct and honest way, without trying to avoid the truth or hide your real
坦率地
毫不隱瞞或迴避地說或做
in a direct and honest way, without trying to avoid the truth or hide your real feelings or opinions
Nikos looked his boss square in the eye and admitted the mistake.
Nikos 直視老闆的眼睛坦率承認了錯誤。
square + in the eye — look directly at someone
Wei told the committee square that the budget was too small to finish the work.
Wei 坦率地告訴委員會，預算太少無法完成工作。
tell + square + that-clause
Nala answered square when the reporter asked about her past mistakes.
記者問到過去的錯誤時，Nala 坦率地回答了。
Soraya looked square at her sister and said she would never lie again.
Soraya 直視著妹妹的眼睛，說她再也不說謊了。
- evasively
avoiding the direct truth
- dishonestly
not being truthful
文法句型
square + prepositional phrase (in the eye/face)
square + that-clause with tell/say
用法筆記
Common before prepositional phrases like 'in the eye' or 'at someone'. Often used with verbs of speaking or looking (tell, answer, look).
常見錯誤
2. positioned so that the front or face of one thing is directly opposite the front
面對面
正對面地，正面相對地
positioned so that the front or face of one thing is directly opposite the front or face of another thing
After the accident the two cars sat square against each other on the wet road.
車禍後，兩輛車在溼漉漉的路上正面相對。
square against — facing directly
Joaquín stood square in front of the gate and would not let anyone pass.
Joaquín 正對著大門站著，不讓任何人通過。
square in front of — directly opposite
The two teams lined up square to each other before the match began.
比賽開始前，兩隊面對面排成了兩列。
Karim placed the mirror square against the wall so that it faced the door exactly.
Karim 把鏡子正對著牆壁放好，讓它精確朝向門口。
- directly opposite
more formal and precise
- head-on
especially for collisions or confrontations
文法句型
square + against/to + noun
用法筆記
Common in physical descriptions of objects or people facing each other. Often followed by 'against', 'to', or 'in front of'.
3. positioned so that one surface or line meets another at exactly 90 degrees, not
成直角
以精確的 90 度角相交或放置
positioned so that one surface or line meets another at exactly 90 degrees, not sloping or tilted
Liam cut the wooden board square so that it would fit perfectly into the corner.
Liam 將木板切成直角，好讓它精確地卡進角落。
cut square — ensure right angles by cutting
The shelf was fixed square to the wall with no tilt at all.
架子被毫無傾斜地垂直固定在牆上。
square to — at a right angle with
Nala laid the tiles square against the edge of the bathroom floor.
Nala 把磁磚沿著浴室地板的邊緣排成直角。
Sahil checked that the fence posts stood square with the line of the house.
Sahil 檢查了籬笆樁是否與房屋的邊線成直角。
- perpendicularly
technical term for at a 90° angle
- at right angles
the full phrase; both adverb and prepositional use
- diagonally
at an angle other than 90°
文法句型
square + to/with + noun
用法筆記
Very common in woodworking, construction, and geometry contexts. Often used with verbs like 'cut', 'fix', 'lay', 'place'.
4. in a straight, uninterrupted line from one point to another, without anything or
直接地
不偏不倚、毫無阻擋地正中目標
in a straight, uninterrupted line from one point to another, without anything or anyone in between to block or change the path
The ball hit James square on the jaw and knocked him to the ground.
球不偏不倚地打中 James 的下顎，把他打倒在地。
hit square on — collide directly with a body part
Wei sat square in the middle of the bench so that nobody else could fit.
Wei 直接坐在長凳正中央，讓別人擠不進來。
The arrow from James's bow landed square in the centre of the target.
James 的箭不偏不倚地飛到了靶心。
Anong threw the stone square through the open window without breaking the frame.
Anong 把石頭直接從開著的窗戶丟了進去，沒有碰到窗框。
- indirectly
not in a straight line
- at an angle
not hitting dead centre
文法句型
square + prepositional phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used with verbs of impact or placement (hit, land, sit, throw) followed by a prepositional phrase ('on', 'in', 'through'). Gives emphasis that the action happened exactly as intended.
常見錯誤
5. in a strong, stable, and unmoving way that shows confidence or solidness of posi
穩固地
穩定、堅定且毫不動搖地
in a strong, stable, and unmoving way that shows confidence or solidness of position
The wrestler planted his feet square on the mat before lifting his opponent.
摔角手在墊上穩穩地站定雙腳，然後舉起了對手。
plant feet square — stand in a stable, strong position
Anong stood square with her shoulders back as she faced the crowd.
Anong 挺起肩膀穩穩地站著，面對著人群。
The old wooden gate was fixed square into the ground and would not move.
那扇舊木門被牢牢地固定在地面上一動也不動。
Sahil set his shoulders square and walked into the interview room without fear.
Sahil 挺直肩膀，自信地走進了面試間，毫無畏懼。
- weakly
without strength or stability
文法句型
square + prepositional phrase
用法筆記
Often describes posture or physical stance. 'Set one's shoulders square' is a common idiom meaning to prepare oneself with confidence.
6. so that something has the form of a square, with four equal sides and four corne
成方形
呈現正方形的形狀
so that something has the form of a square, with four equal sides and four corners of 90 degrees
Lien folded the paper square so that it would fit into the small envelope.
Lien 把紙摺成方形，好放進小信封裡。
fold square — fold to produce a square shape
The baker cut the cake square instead of in the usual round slices.
麵包師傅把蛋糕切成方形，而不是常見的圓形切片。
Soraya stacked the gift boxes square so that they formed a neat tower.
Soraya 把禮盒疊成整齊的方塊。
The children arranged their chairs square around the low table for the art class.
孩子們把椅子沿著矮桌擺成方形，準備上美術課。
- into a square
prepositional phrase with the same meaning
- round
shaped like a circle
- in a triangle
shaped with three sides
文法句型
square + across/out
用法筆記
Describes the resulting shape of an action. Used with verbs that involve cutting, folding, arranging, or building.