calculate on an abacus; calculate; scheme
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesverb
to calculate using an abacus; to operate an abacus
Literally refers to the mechanical act of using a traditional Chinese counting tool. Can also be used figuratively.
Yé爷
ye爷
yǐ以
qián前
shì是
kuài会
jì计
，
hěn很
huì会
dǎ打
suàn算
pan盘
。
My grandfather was an accountant before and is very good at using an abacus.
Xiàn现
zài在
hái还
yòng用
suàn算
pan盘
jì计
suàn算
de的
shāng商
diàn店
bù不
duō多
le了
。
There aren't many shops that still use an abacus for calculation nowadays.
verb
to calculate; to figure; to scheme; to consider carefully
informalUsed metaphorically to mean making plans, calculations, or scheming, often with a slightly negative connotation of being overly calculating or petty.
Bié别
zǒng总
zài在
yī一
xiē些
xiǎo小
shì事
shàng上
dǎ打
suàn算
pan盘
。
Don't always scheme over trivial matters.
Tā他
zhèng正
zài在
xīn心
lǐ里
dǎ打
suàn算
pan盘
，
kàn看
zhè这
ge个
mǎi买
mai卖
huá划
bù不
huá划
suan算
。
He is calculating in his mind to see if this deal is worthwhile.
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Nǐ你
yòu又
zài在
dǎ打
shén什
me么
xiǎo小
suàn算
pan盘
？
What little scheme are you cooking up again?