算

suàn: 算 - To Calculate, To Count, To Regard as, To Plan

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: suan, 算, calculate Chinese, count in Chinese, regard as Chinese, consider Chinese, suan le, 算了, Chinese verb for planning, abacus Chinese, dǎsuàn, 打算
  • Summary: The Chinese character 算 (suàn) is a highly versatile verb that goes far beyond simple math. While its core meaning is “to calculate” or “to count,” it extends into abstract ideas like “to regard as,” “to consider,” or “to plan” (as in 打算 dǎsuàn). It's a cornerstone of daily conversation, most famously in the phrase 算了 (suàn le), which means “forget it” or “let it be.” Understanding 算 unlocks the ability to discuss everything from budgets and bargains to future plans and final decisions.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): suàn
  • Part of Speech: Verb, Noun
  • HSK Level: HSK 3
  • Concise Definition: To calculate, count, reckon, regard as, or plan.
  • In a Nutshell: At its heart, 算 (suàn) is about computation. Think of an abacus clicking away. This idea of “working something out” applies not just to numbers, but also to situations. You can 算 the bill at a restaurant, but you can also 算 if a person is a good friend (“he counts as a good friend”). You can make a 打算 (dǎsuàn) or “plan” by calculating the steps needed. And when a situation is too much trouble, you can decide the calculation isn't worth it and say 算了 (suàn le), or “forget it.”

Character Breakdown

  • 算 (suàn) is a phono-semantic compound character, combining meaning and sound.
  • Top radical: ⺮ (zhú) - This is the “bamboo” radical. It points to the character's origin: ancient Chinese mathematicians used bamboo rods for counting and performing calculations.
  • Bottom part: 具 (jù) - This character means “tool” or “utensil.” In ancient forms, it also provided the phonetic sound for 算.
  • Combined Meaning: The character literally depicts a “bamboo tool” for calculation. This perfectly captures the essence of 算, linking it directly to the physical act of computing, which then evolved into its more abstract meanings.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • The Abacus and Meticulousness: The concept of 算 is deeply connected to the 算盘 (suànpán), the Chinese abacus. The abacus symbolizes not just calculation, but also a cultural value placed on thrift, careful planning, and meticulousness in business and life. Someone who is good at “dǎ suànpán” (literally, “playing the abacus”) is someone who is shrewd and thinks through all the angles.
  • Calculating Fate: 算 extends into the spiritual realm with the term 算命 (suànmìng), which means “fortune-telling.” This isn't just a vague prediction; it's seen as a form of “calculating one's destiny” based on complex inputs like one's birth date, time, and the Chinese zodiac. This contrasts with the Western concept of fortune-telling which is often seen as more mystical; 算命 implies a system and a logic, as if life's path can be computed.
  • “Having the Final Say”: The phrase 说了算 (shuō le suàn), meaning “what you say counts” or “you have the final say,” reflects a hierarchical or decision-making structure. It highlights who has the authority to make a final “calculation” on an issue, which is a key concept in family and business dynamics.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • Mathematical Calculation: This is its most direct usage.
    • e.g., “Can you calculate the total?” (你能算一下总数吗？)
  • To Consider or Regard As: Used to classify or categorize something or someone.
    • e.g., “He can be considered a good person.” (他算是一个好人。)
  • To Plan or Intend (in 打算): A very common word for future plans.
    • e.g., “What are you planning to do this weekend?” (你这个周末打算做什么？)
  • “Forget It” (in 算了): An essential phrase for ending a discussion, giving up on a task, or letting something go. Its tone can range from frustrated to resigned.
    • e.g., A: “I can't find my keys!” B: “算了，我们打车吧。” (Forget it, let's just take a taxi.)
  • “You Decide” (in 你说了算): Used to give someone else the authority to make a decision.
    • e.g., “What should we eat? You decide.” (我们吃什么？你说了算。)
  • To Include or Count In:
    • e.g., “Including me, there are five of us.” (算上我，我们一共五个人。)

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 你帮我算一下，这些东西一共多少钱？
    • Pinyin: Nǐ bāng wǒ suàn yíxià, zhèxiē dōngxi yígòng duōshǎo qián?
    • English: Can you help me calculate how much these things cost in total?
    • Analysis: This is the most basic, literal meaning of 算: to perform a mathematical calculation.
  • Example 2:
    • 太麻烦了，我看还是算了吧。
    • Pinyin: Tài máfan le, wǒ kàn háishì suàn le ba.
    • English: This is too much trouble, I think we should just forget it.
    • Analysis: Here, 算了 (suàn le) is used to drop an idea or plan. It implies that the “calculation” of effort vs. reward is not worth it.
  • Example 3:
    • 在我们团队里，他算是经验最丰富的。
    • Pinyin: Zài wǒmen tuánduì lǐ, tā suànshì jīngyàn zuì fēngfù de.
    • English: In our team, he is considered the most experienced.
    • Analysis: 算是 (suànshì) means “to be considered as” or “to count as.” It's used to classify or give a measured judgment.
  • Example 4:
    • 我打算下个月开始学习开车。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ dǎsuàn xià ge yuè kāishǐ xuéxí kāichē.
    • English: I plan to start learning to drive next month.
    • Analysis: 打算 (dǎsuàn) is one of the most common ways to express a future plan or intention.
  • Example 5:
    • 这家餐厅买一送一，非常划算。
    • Pinyin: Zhè jiā cāntīng mǎi yī sòng yī, fēicháng huásuàn.
    • English: This restaurant has a “buy one, get one free” deal; it's a great value.
    • Analysis: 划算 (huásuàn) literally means the “calculation comes out even/favorable.” It's used to describe a good bargain.
  • Example 6:
    • 在我们家，大事都是我爸爸说了算。
    • Pinyin: Zài wǒmen jiā, dàshì dōu shì wǒ bàba shuō le suàn.
    • English: In our family, my dad has the final say on all important matters.
    • Analysis: 说了算 (shuō le suàn) is a fixed phrase meaning to have the final authority. What is said “counts.”
  • Example 7:
    • 你迟到了一个小时，这笔账我们怎么算？
    • Pinyin: Nǐ chídào le yí ge xiǎoshí, zhè bǐ zhàng wǒmen zěnme suàn?
    • English: You're an hour late, how are we going to settle this score?
    • Analysis: This is a metaphorical use. 算账 (suànzhàng) can mean to settle a bill, but here it means to settle a personal grievance or “score.”
  • Example 8:
    • 算上堵车的时间，我们最好早点出门。
    • Pinyin: Suànshàng dǔchē de shíjiān, wǒmen zuìhǎo zǎodiǎn chūmén.
    • English: Factoring in the time for traffic, we had better leave a bit earlier.
    • Analysis: 算上 (suànshàng) means “to include in the calculation” or “to factor in.”
  • Example 9:
    • 这点小挫折算不了什么，我们继续努力！
    • Pinyin: Zhè diǎn xiǎo cuòzhé suànbuliǎo shénme, wǒmen jìxù nǔlì!
    • English: This little setback counts for nothing, let's keep working hard!
    • Analysis: 算不了什么 (suànbuliǎo shénme) is a phrase used to downplay the significance of something. It literally means “it cannot be counted as anything.”
  • Example 10:
    • 他是个说话算数的人，他答应了就一定会做到。
    • Pinyin: Tā shì ge shuōhuà suànshù de rén, tā dāyìng le jiù yídìng huì zuòdào.
    • English: He is a man of his word (someone whose words count); if he promises something, he will definitely do it.
    • Analysis: 说话算数 (shuōhuà suànshù) is a common idiom for being trustworthy and keeping one's promises.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • 算 (suàn) vs. 数 (shǔ): This is a classic beginner mistake.
    • 数 (shǔ) means “to count” sequentially (e.g., 1, 2, 3…). You 数 how many people are in a room.
    • 算 (suàn) means “to calculate” or “to compute” a result. You 算 the total cost.
    • Incorrect: `他正在算教室里有多少学生。` (He is calculating how many students are in the classroom.)
    • Correct: `他正在数教室里有多少学生。` (He is counting how many students are in the classroom.)
    • Note: You can use 算 if it involves addition/subtraction, e.g., `我算了一下，我们班有15个男生，12个女生，一共27人。` (I calculated, our class has 15 boys and 12 girls, 27 people in total.)
  • The Tone of 算了 (suàn le): This phrase is highly dependent on context and tone. It can be a gentle “oh well, never mind,” a neutral “let's just drop it,” or a frustrated “Ugh, forget it!” Pay attention to how native speakers use it to understand its emotional weight.
  • Don't Confuse “算 (suàn)” with “Think”: While `算` can mean “to consider” or “regard as,” it is not a general-purpose verb for “to think” like 想 (xiǎng) or 觉得 (juéde). 算 implies a more objective classification or calculation.
    • Incorrect: `我算这个电影很好看。`
    • Correct: `我觉得这个电影很好看。` (I think/feel this movie is very good.)
    • Correct use of 算: `这部电影可以算得上是今年的最佳影片。` (This movie can be regarded as the best film of the year.)

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 计算 (jìsuàn) - A more formal or technical term for “to calculate” or “to compute,” often used in science, math, and computing.
  • 打算 (dǎsuàn) - To plan; an intention. This is the most common way to talk about future plans.
  • 预算 (yùsuàn) - A budget. The “pre-calculation” of expenses.
  • 划算 (huásuàn) - To be a good deal or cost-effective. A result of a favorable “calculation.”
  • 算盘 (suànpán) - The abacus, the physical tool and cultural symbol of calculation.
  • 算命 (suànmìng) - Fortune-telling; literally “calculating fate.”
  • 考虑 (kǎolǜ) - To consider or think over. More about mental deliberation than the classification aspect of 算.
  • 数 (shǔ / shù) - As a verb (shǔ), it means to count one-by-one. As a noun (shù), it means “number.”