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算计 (suàn jì) — to calculate, to reckon, to plan; to scheme, to plot (against someone)

Definition

算计 covers both neutral planning ('to figure out, plan') and the negative sense 'to scheme against someone.' Compare 计算 (pure calculation) and 谋划 (strategic planning without the scheming sense).

verb
to calculateto reckonto planto schemeto plot (against someone)

Examples

  • 算计。
    Wǒ zài suàn jì zhè ge yuè de kāi zhī.
    I am calculating this month's expenses.
  • 算计。
    Bié suàn jì zì jǐ de péng you.
    Don't scheme against your own friends.
  • 算计。
    Wǒ suàn jì zhe zěn me ān pái shí jiān.
    I'm figuring out how to arrange the time.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

算suàncalculate
计jìplan

“算” and “计” both involve reckoning and planning, giving the sense of calculating or scheming.

Characters in this word

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

The current form 算 has 竹 on top, 目 in the middle, and 廾 below; the 目 part may have originally drawn counting rods, often made of bamboo.

Open 算 →

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
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9Thinking & Cognition

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