算是

• Pinyin: suàn shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 算 = to count, reckon; 是 = to be — can be counted as

Meaning

Can be considered as; counts as; more or less. Indicates something qualifies as a certain category, though perhaps not perfectly.

Used to make hedged or approximate assessments. Examples: 算是成功了 (can be considered a success), 算是他请客 (let's say it's his treat), 算是完成了 (more or less finished). Softens claims and allows for nuance. Can express modest satisfaction or reluctant acknowledgment.

Examples

1. 这次考试算是超常发挥了。 This exam can be considered an above-average performance.
2. 忙了一整天，总算是把事情办完了。 After being busy all day, I finally more or less finished everything.
3. 他算是我们公司最资深的员工了。 He counts as the most senior employee in our company.

Usage Guide

Context: assessment, qualification, conversation

Tone: hedging

Do Say

• 今天的天气算是不错了。(Today's weather is pretty good, all things considered.)
• 这顿饭算是我请的。(Let's say this meal is my treat.)

Don't Say

• 确定性高的事不用'算是' (Don't use 算是 for definite things — save it for approximations or hedged claims)

Origin & History

Compound of 算 (to count, calculate) + 是 (to be). Literally 'counting as being' — a hedged categorization.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal