(へいこうしへんけい)

へいこうしへんけい
noun
parallelogram
1. a parallelogram: a four-sided geometric figure in which both pairs of opposite sides are parallel
The standard math-class term for a parallelogram. A quadrilateral in which each pair of opposite sides is parallel and equal in length, and opposite angles are equal. Rectangles, rhombi (diamonds), and squares are all special cases. Taught in Japanese elementary school (小学校(しょうがっこう)) around fourth or fifth grade as part of basic geometry.
平行四辺形(へいこうしへんけい)面積(めんせき)(もと)める。
To find the area of a parallelogram.
この四角形(しかくけい)平行四辺形(へいこうしへんけい)だ。
This quadrilateral is a parallelogram.
平行四辺形(へいこうしへんけい)では()かい()(へん)(なが)さが(ひと)しい。
In a parallelogram, opposite sides are equal in length.
平行四辺形(へいこうしへんけい)面積(めんせき)は、底辺(ていへん)×(たか)さで(もと)めることができる。
The area of a parallelogram can be found by multiplying the base by the height.

Composed of 平行(へいこう) (parallel) + 四辺形(しへんけい) (quadrilateral, four-sided figure). Literally "parallel quadrilateral." The standard term used throughout Japanese elementary, middle, and high school mathematics.

KEY PROPERTIES (the way they are stated in Japanese math classes):

  • ()かい()(へん)平行(へいこう)(なが)さが(ひと)しい: opposite sides are parallel and equal in length
  • ()かい()(かく)(おお)きさは(ひと)しい: opposite angles are equal
  • 対角線(たいかくせん)はそれぞれの中点(ちゅうてん)(まじ)わる: the diagonals bisect each other
  • 面積(めんせき) = 底辺(ていへん) × (たか)さ: area = base × height

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 平行四辺形(へいこうしへんけい)面積(めんせき): the area of a parallelogram
  • 平行四辺形(へいこうしへんけい)性質(せいしつ): properties of a parallelogram
  • 平行四辺形(へいこうしへんけい)()く: to draw a parallelogram
  • 平行四辺形(へいこうしへんけい)になる条件(じょうけん): the conditions for (a shape) to be a parallelogram

RELATED GEOMETRY TERMS:

  • 長方形(ちょうほうけい): rectangle — a parallelogram with all right angles
  • 正方形(せいほうけい): square — a rectangle with all sides equal
  • ひし形(がた): rhombus, diamond — a parallelogram with all sides equal
  • 台形(だいけい): trapezoid / trapezium — a quadrilateral with only one pair of parallel sides
  • 四角形(しかくけい): quadrilateral — the general term for any four-sided figure
  • 多角形(たかくけい): polygon
  • 平行(へいこう): parallel
  • 対角線(たいかくせん): diagonal (line)
  • 底辺(ていへん): base (of a triangle or parallelogram)
  • (たか)さ: height

REGISTER:
Neutral and technical. A standard math-class word; used mostly in educational, mathematical, and technical-drawing contexts.