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算数 (suàn shù) — to count numbers; to do arithmetic; to be valid, to hold, to count (as important); to keep one's word (in 说话算数)

Definition

算数 covers both 'do arithmetic' (basic counting/math) and the colloquial 'count / hold valid' meaning as in 说话算数. For systematic calculation use 计算, not 算数.

verb
to count numbersto do arithmeticto be validto holdto count (as important)to keep one's word (in 说话算数)

Examples

  • 算数。
    Tā sān suì jiù huì suàn shù le.
    He could count at age three.
  • 算数。
    Tā shuō huà cóng lái dōu suàn shù.
    He always keeps his word.
  • ，。
    Nǐ bú qù de huà, zhè cì huó dòng jiù bú suàn shù le.
    If you don't go, this event won't count.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
动宾dòngbīnVerb + object

An action followed by what it acts on, fused into one word.

算suàncount
数shùnumbers

算 gives the idea of counting and 数 gives the idea of numbers, so the word names counting numbers.

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 →

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 數; 数 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
攴攴pū
Sound part声符shēngfú
婁
婁lóu數shù(r)
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 數 pairs 攴, the meaning part, with 婁, the sound part; the simplified 数 is a shorthand.

Open 数 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9HSK 2.0 Level 6Math

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