長方形
ちょうほうけい · chouhoukei · JLPT N2 · noun
rectangle
🚪 長 = long, 方 = square, 形 = shape: a square-type shape made long, so a rectangle
長 means long and 方 means square or side. The compound describes a square-type shape stretched along one direction. 正方形 (square) uses the same 方, but with equal sides.
方 — pictograph of a plow or two boats joined side by side
方 originated as a pictograph, traditionally interpreted as a plow handle or two boats lashed together. From the idea of paired boats it extended to mean 'side by side,' then 'square,' 'direction,' and 'region.' It was later borrowed for the abstract sense of 'method' or 'way.'
形 — open frame 开 + hair/pattern 彡
形 combines 开 (originally a phonetic element suggesting the sound) with 彡, a radical depicting fine lines, hair, or decorative strokes. The 彡 part conveys the idea of visible markings or surface appearance, giving 形 its core meaning of 'shape' or 'form.' Over time it broadened to cover physical figure, appearance, and abstract form.