jìsuàn: 计算 - To Calculate, Compute, Reckon

• Keywords: 计算, jìsuàn, calculate in Chinese, compute, how to say calculate in Chinese, Chinese word for computer, calculation, Chinese grammar, HSK 3 vocabulary, learning Chinese
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 计算 (jìsuàn), which means “to calculate” or “to compute.” This guide breaks down the characters, explores its cultural nuances, and provides over 10 practical example sentences. Discover how 计算 is used for everything from math problems and financial planning to its role in modern technology like computers (计算机) and cloud computing (云计算), and even how it can describe a “calculating” person.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jìsuàn
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: To calculate, to compute, or to reckon.
• In a Nutshell: 计算 (jìsuàn) is the go-to word for any kind of systematic calculation, from simple arithmetic to complex data processing. It’s the “compute” in “computer” and the “calculate” in “calculator.” While its core meaning is neutral and technical, it can also be used figuratively to describe someone who meticulously plans or even schemes for their own benefit.

• 计 (jì): This character means “to count,” “to plan,” or “a meter.” It's composed of the “speech” radical (言) and the number “ten” (十). You can imagine it as speaking about numbers or making a plan that involves counting.
• 算 (suàn): This character also means “to calculate” or “to reckon.” Its top radical is “bamboo” (竹), which harks back to ancient China when calculations were done using bamboo rods.
• Together, 计算 (jìsuàn) combines the idea of planning/counting with the act of calculation, creating a strong and formal word for “to compute” or “to calculate.”

In Chinese culture, the concept of being meticulous and planning ahead is highly valued. In this positive sense, 计算 reflects prudence and intelligence, especially in business and finance. A good businessperson must be skilled at 计算 risks and benefits. However, there's a crucial cultural distinction when applying this term to personality. In Western cultures, describing someone as “calculating” can be neutral or even positive (e.g., “a calculated risk,” “a strategic thinker”). In China, describing a person as being too good at 计算 (太会计算了 - tài huì jìsuàn le) often carries a negative connotation. It implies they are selfishly scheming, stingy, or overly focused on personal gain at the expense of interpersonal relationships (关系, guānxi). This reflects a cultural preference for harmony and genuine connection over cold, transactional interactions. It suggests a person who counts every little favor and is not generous in spirit.

计算 is a versatile word used in many modern contexts.

• Academic and Technical: This is its most common usage. It's used for math homework, scientific research, engineering, and computer science.
  • `请计算这个圆的面积。` (Please calculate the area of this circle.)
• Financial and Business: It's essential for budgeting, accounting, and financial planning.
  • `我们需要计算一下这次旅行的全部费用。` (We need to calculate the total cost of this trip.)
• Figurative (Planning): It can be used for less formal calculations, like figuring out time or logistics.
  • `我计算了一下，我们开车去那里要三个小时。` (I calculated that it will take us three hours to drive there.)
• Figurative (Describing a Person - often negative): As mentioned above, it can describe a person who is overly self-interested and meticulous in their dealings with others.
  • `他做什么事都计算得很清楚，从不吃亏。` (He calculates everything he does very clearly and never suffers a loss.)

• Example 1:
  • 我需要用计算器来计算这些数字。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào yòng jìsuànqì lái jìsuàn zhèxiē shùzì.
  • English: I need to use a calculator to calculate these numbers.
  • Analysis: A straightforward, literal use of 计算. Note that a calculator is a “计算器 (jìsuànqì),” literally a “calculation device.”
• Example 2:
  • 老师让学生们计算这道数学题。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī ràng xuéshēngmen jìsuàn zhè dào shùxué tí.
  • English: The teacher asked the students to calculate this math problem.
  • Analysis: This is a very common context you'll hear in any Chinese classroom.
• Example 3:
  • 电脑的中央处理器(CPU)负责进行复杂的计算。
  • Pinyin: Diànnǎo de zhōngyāng chǔlǐqì (CPU) fùzé jìnxíng fùzá de jìsuàn.
  • English: The computer's Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for performing complex computations.
  • Analysis: This shows the technical side of a noun form, 计算, meaning “computation.” Note that “computer” is 计算机 (jìsuànjī), or “calculating machine.”
• Example 4:
  • 我们来计算一下这个项目的总成本。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen lái jìsuàn yíxià zhège xiàngmù de zǒng chéngběn.
  • English: Let's calculate the total cost of this project.
  • Analysis: A common phrase in business or project management settings. The “一下 (yíxià)” softens the verb, making it sound more like “Let's do a quick calculation.”
• Example 5:
  • 我计算过，如果我们现在出发，就能准时到达。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ jìsuàn guo, rúguǒ wǒmen xiànzài chūfā, jiù néng zhǔnshí dàodá.
  • English: I've calculated that if we leave now, we can arrive on time.
  • Analysis: A great example of using 计算 for logistical planning, not just numbers.
• Example 6:
  • 他这个人太会计算了，跟他交朋友要小心。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhège rén tài huì jìsuàn le, gēn tā jiāo péngyǒu yào xiǎoxīn.
  • English: He is a very “calculating” person; you have to be careful when making friends with him.
  • Analysis: This highlights the negative, figurative meaning. “太会计算了 (tài huì jìsuàn le)” is a set phrase to describe someone who is scheming or stingy.
• Example 7:
  • 云计算是当今科技领域的一个热门话题。
  • Pinyin: Yún jìsuàn shì dāngjīn kējì lǐngyù de yíge rèmén huàtí.
  • English: Cloud computing is a hot topic in the tech field today.
  • Analysis: Shows how 计算 is a building block for modern technological terms.
• Example 8:
  • 请帮我计算一下我应该付多少税。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng bāng wǒ jìsuàn yíxià wǒ yīnggāi fù duōshǎo shuì.
  • English: Please help me calculate how much tax I should pay.
  • Analysis: A practical, real-world example related to personal finance.
• Example 9:
  • 这个软件可以快速计算出最佳路线。
  • Pinyin: Zhège ruǎnjiàn kěyǐ kuàisù jìsuàn chū zuì jiā lùxiàn.
  • English: This software can quickly calculate the best route.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates how a result can be produced, shown by the resultative complement “出 (chū).”
• Example 10:
  • 精确的计算是科学研究的基础。
  • Pinyin: Jīngquè de jìsuàn shì kēxué yánjiū de jīchǔ.
  • English: Precise calculation is the foundation of scientific research.
  • Analysis: Here, 计算 is used as a noun meaning “calculation” or “computation” in a formal, academic context.

• 计算 (jìsuàn) vs. 算 (suàn) vs. 数 (shǔ): This is a major pitfall for learners.
  • 计算 (jìsuàn): Use for more complex or formal calculations (e.g., area, cost, taxes, data). It implies a formula or process.
  • 算 (suàn): More colloquial. It can be used for simpler math (“算一下这个多少钱” - “figure out how much this is”) but also for simple counting. It also means “to be considered as” (“这不算贵” - “this isn't considered expensive”).
  • 数 (shǔ): This specifically means “to count” one by one (e.g., people, objects). You 数 sheep to fall asleep, you don't 计算 them.
  • Incorrect: `我计算了房间里有多少人。` (Wǒ jìsuàn le fángjiān lǐ yǒu duōshǎo rén.) This is unnatural.
  • Correct: `我数了数房间里有多少人。` (Wǒ shǔ le shǔ fángjiān lǐ yǒu duōshǎo rén.)
• False Friend - “Calculated to offend”: In English, “calculate” can mean “to intend” or “design,” as in “a remark calculated to cause offense.” The Chinese 计算 does not have this meaning. The closest it comes is the negative “scheming” personality trait, but it doesn't describe the intention of a specific action in the same way.

• 计算机 (jìsuànjī) - Computer. The most direct and important related term, literally a “calculating machine.”
• 算 (suàn) - A more common and colloquial verb for “to count” or “calculate.” It's the simpler version of 计算.
• 打算 (dǎsuàn) - To plan; to intend. Shares the character 算 but refers to future intentions, not mathematical calculation.
• 计划 (jìhuà) - Plan; to plan. Shares the character 计 and is a more formal word for making a plan or a schedule.
• 会计 (kuàijì) - Accountant; accounting. The profession centered around financial calculation (计).
• 估计 (gūjì) - To estimate; to reckon. What you do when you can't perform an exact 计算.
• 数学 (shùxué) - Mathematics. The academic discipline that relies heavily on 计算.
• 预算 (yùsuàn) - Budget. A financial plan based on calculations (算) made in advance (预).