算了

• Pinyin: suàn le
• Hanzi breakdown: 算 = to calculate, reckon; 了 = completion — done calculating, i.e., forget it

Meaning

Forget it; never mind; let it go. Used to dismiss something or indicate giving up on a matter.

A common conversational expression with various nuances: 1) Giving up: 太难了，算了 (It's too hard, forget it); 2) Resignation: 算了，我不跟你计较 (Forget it, I won't argue with you); 3) Dismissal: 你不想去就算了 (If you don't want to go, forget it). Tone can range from disappointed to relieved to dismissive.

Examples

1. 排队的人太多了，算了，下次再来吧。 There are too many people in line; forget it, let's come back next time.
2. 算了算了，这件事就到此为止吧。 Forget it, forget it; let's just leave this matter here.
3. 他不道歉就算了，我也不想再计较了。 If he won't apologize, forget it — I don't want to argue anymore either.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, resignation, dismissal

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 算了，别想那么多了。(Forget it, don't think so much about it.)
• 你不去就算了，我自己去。(If you're not going, forget it — I'll go myself.)

Don't Say

• 正式场合用'算了'可能显得不够尊重 (Using 算了 in formal settings may seem dismissive — use 这样吧 or 那就另说 instead)

Origin & History

From 算 (to calculate, consider) + 了 (completion particle). Literally 'calculated and done with' — indicating a matter is concluded or dropped.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal