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HSK 7-9
squaresquarenotenter
Incompatible; out of tune with; not fitting in.

Literal meaning

square (格) — square (格) — not (不) — enter (入)

Origin

A classical four-character phrase describing disharmony or incompatibility.

Examples

dexiǎngmen
His ideas are incompatible with ours.
juédezàizhègehuánjìngzhōng
He feels out of place in this environment.

Usage & nuances

Highlights a lack of harmony or agreement.

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