TongTong
Sign in

心计 (xīn jì) — scheming; calculation (often with a negative connotation)

Definition

A negative-leaning noun for shrewd, hidden scheming or calculation (someone's 心计). Implies cunning intent, unlike neutral 计划 (a plan) or 打算 (intention).

noun
schemingcalculation (often with a negative connotation)

Examples

  • ，。
    Zhè ge rén hěn yǒu xīn jì, bú yào qīng yì xiāng xìn tā.
    This person is very calculating; don't trust him easily.
  • 心计，。
    Tā zuò shì cóng lái bú lù xīn jì, ràng rén cāi bú tòu.
    She never reveals her schemes when doing things, making people unable to guess her intentions.
  • ，，心计。
    Zài zhí chǎng zhōng, guāng yǒu cái néng hái bú gòu, yǒu shí yě xū yào yì diǎn xīn jì.
    In the workplace, talent alone is not enough; sometimes you also need a bit of scheming.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

心xīnmind
计jìplan

心 means mind and 计 means plan or calculation, so the word denotes scheming or mental calculation.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape of 心 comes from a drawing of a heart, now highly stylized.

Open 心 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 計; 计 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 計 pairs 言 (say) with 十 (all). The simplified 计 is a later shorthand, so its parts are not the historical shape.

Open 计 →
Appears in
Personality & Traits

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.