算清 (suàn qīng) — to calculate clearly, to settle (an account), to figure out (the exact amount/ratio)

Definition

A verb-object compound meaning to calculate or work something out to a clear, exact figure — typically an account, expense, or ratio. Negates as 算不清 (can't figure it out), as shown in the examples.

verb
to calculate clearlyto settle (an account)to figure out (the exact amount/ratio)

Examples

  • 算清？
    Zhè bǐ zhàng nǐ suàn qīng le ma?
    Have you settled this account?
  • 。
    Zhè ge shù zì wǒ suàn bù qīng.
    I can't figure out this number.
  • 算清。
    Tā suàn qīng le suǒ yǒu de fèi yòng.
    He calculated all the expenses clearly.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
补充bǔchōngVerb + complement

An action followed by its result or direction.

算suàncalculate
清qīngclear

算 calculate and 清 clear combine to mean settle or figure out exactly.

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.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
氵Written in full as水shuǐwater
Sound part声符shēngfú
青
青qīng清qīng
Same sound today

清 has 氵 (water) on the left and 青 on the right to show its sound.

Open 清 →

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