verb HSK 4
Traditional 計算
suàn
to calculate · to compute · to count

Meaning

计算 means to perform mathematical calculations or to compute numbers. It's used both for simple arithmetic and complex computational tasks. The word can refer to mental calculations, using calculators, or computer processing.

Usage

This is a formal-neutral term commonly used in academic, business, and everyday contexts when discussing mathematical operations or estimation. It's less casual than 算 (suàn) alone. Often appears in contexts involving money, statistics, data processing, and problem-solving.

Examples

  1. 01
    请帮我计算一下这些商品的总价。
    Qǐng bāng suàn xià zhè xiē shāng pǐn de zǒng jià.
    Please help me calculate the total price of these items.
  2. 02
    他很快就计算出了答案。
    hěn kuài jiù suàn chū le àn.
    He quickly calculated the answer.

Characters

Measure words

  • 进行一次计算

Common collocations

  • 计算
    suàn
    computer
  • 计算结果
    suàn jié guǒ
    calculation result
  • 精确计算
    jīng què suàn
    precise calculation
  • 计算方法
    suàn fāng
    calculation method

Origin

Both characters relate to counting and calculation. 计 originally meant 'to count or plan,' while 算 referred to using bamboo counting rods. Together they form a compound emphasizing mathematical computation.

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