數 (shù) - number & count

數Tone 4

shù ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

數 · shù

number;

count;

calculate;

enumerate;

several;

frequently;

repeatedly;

fate;

destiny

numbercountcalculate

Usage highlights

mathematicsnumberdataquantitycountstatistics

Synonyms

  • 计— calculate, count
  • 算— calculate, compute
  • 量— quantity, amount

Antonyms

  • 质— quality (as opposed to quantity)
  • 少— few, little

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • mathematics(数学)
  • digital technology(数字技术)
  • count numbers(数数)
  • statistical data(数据)
  • frequently mentioned(数见不鲜)

Collocations

  • mathematics(数学)
  • number(数字)
  • data(数据)
  • quantity(数量)
  • count(计数)
  • statistics(统计)

Idioms

  • Countless(数不胜数)
  • As plain as day(历历可数)
  • Too numerous to count(不可胜数)
  • Incalculable losses(数不尽的损失)
  • Count on one's fingers(屈指可数)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • One of the earliest mathematical concepts in Chinese civilization, appearing in oracle bone inscriptions
  • Associated with both practical calculation and metaphysical concepts of fate in traditional Chinese thought
  • The character appears in many classical mathematical texts like 'The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art'

FAQ