計

• Reading: けい
• Romaji: kei
• Kanji breakdown: 計 (kei) — to measure, to count, total, plan
• Pronunciation: /keː/

Meaning

Total; sum; plan. Used as a suffix meaning total or as part of compounds relating to measurement and planning.

A noun and suffix with two main uses. As a suffix, it means total or sum, as in 合計 (grand total) or 小計 (subtotal). It also appears in measurement instruments: 温度計 (thermometer), 時計 (clock or watch), 体重計 (scale). As a standalone word, it can mean a plan or scheme, though this usage is less common in modern Japanese.

Examples

1. 買い物の合計は三千円だった。 The total for the shopping came to three thousand yen.
2. この温度計は壊れているかもしれない。 This thermometer might be broken.
3. 参加者は全部で計五十人だった。 There were a total of fifty participants altogether.

Usage Guide

Context: math, shopping, measurement

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 計 combines 言 (words, speech) and 十 (ten), originally suggesting counting or calculating with words. It has evolved to encompass both counting and planning.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal