小算盘 (xiǎo suàn pán) — selfish calculation, self-serving scheming

Definition

In the set phrase 打小算盘, it means scheming for one's own narrow self-interest. Pairs only with 打; do not use 算盘 (the abacus) here.

noun

selfish calculationself-serving scheming

小算盘，。
Tā zhěng tiān dǎ xiǎo suàn pán, cóng bù kǎo lǜ tuán duì de lì yì.
He schemes selfishly all day and never considers the team's interests.
小算盘，。
Nǐ nà xiē xiǎo suàn pán dà jiā dōu kàn zài yǎn lǐ, bié yǐ wéi méi rén zhī dào.
Everyone sees your selfish calculations; don't think nobody knows.
，小算盘。
Zhè ge xiàng mù xū yào hé zuò, bú shì dǎ xiǎo suàn pán de shí hou.
This project requires cooperation; it's not the time for selfish scheming.

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.

算盘abacus

偏正Modifier + head

小 adds a petty sense, while 算 and 盘 picture a small calculating board.

Characters in this word

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

The shape of 小 comes from three small dots, later elongated into its strokes; the apparent parts 八 and 丨 are a later way of seeing it.

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

竹目廾算

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.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 盤; 盘 is its simplified writing.

般皿盤

Meaning part形符xíngfú

皿皿mǐn

Sound part声符shēngfú

般

Same sound today

The traditional form 盤 pairs 般, which gives the sound, with 皿, a vessel. This note is about 盤, not the simplified 盘.

Appears in