计算

• Pinyin: jì suàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 计 = 讠(speech/words) + 十 (ten), originally meaning to count by speaking; 算 = 竹 (bamboo) + 目 (eye) + 廾 (two hands), depicting using an abacus

Meaning

To calculate; to compute; calculation. The act of working out a numerical or logical result through mental or mechanical means.

Used for mathematical calculations, budgeting, computer processing, and careful planning. Can function as both a verb and a noun. 计算机 (computer) derives from this word. Also used figuratively to mean 'to scheme' or 'to be calculating' in informal contexts.

Examples

1. 老师让我们用心算来计算这道题。 The teacher asked us to calculate this problem using mental arithmetic.
2. 他花了很长时间计算这个月的开支。 He spent a long time calculating this month's expenses.
3. 这台机器每秒可以计算几亿次。 This machine can perform hundreds of millions of calculations per second.

Usage Guide

Context: maths, finance, technology, everyday

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 你帮我计算一下这些数字。(Can you help me calculate these numbers?)
• 我需要仔细计算一下预算。(I need to carefully calculate the budget.)

Don't Say

• 我计算你是好人。(Don't use 计算 to make judgements about people — use 觉得 or 认为 instead. 计算 is for numbers and plans.)

Origin & History

Compound of 计 (to count, plan) and 算 (to calculate, reckon), both of which independently mean to count or compute.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal