counting chip; move; level
Meanings
3 senses · 7 examplesnoun
a counting bamboo stick or chip (used in ancient counting, gambling, or tallying)
archaicRefers to the physical counting tools used in ancient China for calculation, gambling, or keeping score. This literal meaning is now largely historical.
Ancient people used bamboo chips for counting; every five sticks were called 'one chip'.
Several gambling chips were scattered on the table.
noun
a move (in chess, debates, etc.); a stratagem; a plan
Extended from the counting chip meaning, referring to a single move, counter, or strategy in games, competitions, or debates. Often used in negative constructions like 一筹莫展 (at a loss).
Faced with this difficult problem, he was at a complete loss.
He still has one last move left to play.
measure word
used in comparative expressions to indicate a degree, level, or step of difference
Commonly used in set comparative phrases like 略逊一筹 (slightly inferior), 高出一筹 (one level higher), or 稍胜一筹 (slightly better). Indicates a discrete step or level of comparison.
His chess skill is one level higher than mine.
In this respect, I am slightly inferior.
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Plan B is slightly better than Plan A by a small margin.