算 (suàn) - To calculate, compute & to plan, scheme

算Tone 4

suàn ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

算 · suàn

To calculate, compute;

to plan, scheme;

to count as, consider;

to reckon, figure;

to guess, estimate.

To calculate, computeto plan, schemeto count as, consider

Usage highlights

CalculateAbacusArithmeticPlanComputerBudget

Synonyms

  • 计— to calculate, plan
  • 算数— to count, be valid
  • 计算— to calculate, compute

Antonyms

  • 猜— to guess (vs. calculate precisely)
  • 估— to estimate roughly (vs. calculate exactly)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I need to calculate the total cost (算总成本).
  • Let's plan for next week (算下周的计划).
  • This counts as my contribution (算我的贡献).
  • Can you guess the answer?(算答案)
  • The computer is computing the results (算结果).

Collocations

  • Calculate(计算)
  • Abacus(算盘)
  • Arithmetic(算术)
  • Plan(打算)
  • Computer(计算机)
  • Budget(预算)

Idioms

  • To settle accounts after death(秋后算账)
  • Calculating meticulously(精打细算)
  • To plan and calculate repeatedly(盘算)
  • Unable to calculate(算不过来)
  • To calculate accurately(算无遗策)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The abacus (算盘) was a crucial calculation tool in ancient China and remains a symbol of mathematical skill.
  • In traditional Chinese culture, calculation and planning are highly valued in business and governance.
  • The character appears in many terms related to mathematics, finance, and strategic thinking.

FAQ