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划算 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
划算huásuànto calculateHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #14539, Very Hard
划算huásuànto weigh (pros and cons)HSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #14539, Very Hard
划算huásuànto view as profitableHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #14539, Very Hard
划算huásuànworthwhileHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #14539, Very Hard
划算huásuànvalue for moneyHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #14539, Very Hard
划算huásuàncost-effectiveHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #14539, Very Hard
huásuàn(hua2suan4)hua suan T2
  1. 1to calculate
  2. 2to weigh (pros and cons)
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March 24, 2026

划算huásuàn(hua2suan4)

划算 means to calculate or assess the value of something, often in terms of cost-effectiveness or profitability. It is commonly used when discussing whether a purchase or investment is worthwhile, emphasizing the idea of getting good value for money.

Strokes20Frequency#14539DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 划算 is particularly important in daily life, especially in markets where haggling is common. People often assess whether a deal is worth it, reflecting a pragmatic approach to spending.

Memory tip

Imagine划 (huà) as a person drawing a line to represent a budget, and 算 (suàn) as them counting coins. Together, they illustrate someone who carefully assesses if their spending is '划算' (worthwhile) by drawing a line between their expenses and savings.

Meanings of 划算

huásuàn(hua2suan4)
1to calculate
2to weigh (pros and cons)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 划算

划算Simplified
20Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

Podcast: 划算

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Podcast: 划算

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AI Study Notes for 划算

Quick Contrast

划算 (worthwhile) vs 划得来 (a good deal) — use 划算 when emphasizing overall value assessment, while 划得来 focuses more on the attractiveness of a specific deal.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of using 划算 in informal settings, as it may not fit in formal discussions about finances. Common collocations include '非常划算' (extremely cost-effective) and '不划算' (not worthwhile). Incorrect tone usage, such as saying hua4 suan4 instead of hua2 suan4, can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

Although 划算 is not present in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it is relevant for learners at HSK 4 and above who are expanding their financial vocabulary. Focus on how it relates to other terms involving value and cost assessment.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 划算 with similar terms like 便宜 (cheap) and mistakenly use them interchangeably. For example, saying '这个手机便宜' (This phone is cheap) instead of '这个手机划算' (This phone is cost-effective) misses the nuance of value.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 划算

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Component Characters

划huáto row
HSK 56 strokes刂
View full entry
算suànto regard as
HSK 414 strokes⺮
View full entry

How to say to calculate in Chinese

“to calculate” in Chinese is划算huásuàn

划算 means to calculate or assess the value of something, often in terms of cost-effectiveness or profitability. It is commonly used when discussing whether a purchase or investment is worthwhile, emphasizing the idea of getting good value for money.

When to use 划算

Be mindful of using 划算 in informal settings, as it may not fit in formal discussions about finances. Common collocations include '非常划算' (extremely cost-effective) and '不划算' (not worthwhile). Incorrect tone usage, such as saying hua4 suan4 instead of hua2 suan4, can change the meaning.

划算 or something close to it

划算 (worthwhile) vs 划得来 (a good deal) — use 划算 when emphasizing overall value assessment, while 划得来 focuses more on the attractiveness of a specific deal.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 划算 with similar terms like 便宜 (cheap) and mistakenly use them interchangeably. For example, saying '这个手机便宜' (This phone is cheap) instead of '这个手机划算' (This phone is cost-effective) misses the nuance of value.

Write 划算

划
算

Practice writing 划算 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Usage Notes for 划算

Misunderstanding Cost-effectivenessCommon Error

Learn to differentiate between '划算' and other similar terms for cost-effectiveness.

1

这个产品很划算。

This product is very cost-effective.

Exercise 1 of 1

Get it right

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这个产品很____。

This product is very cost-effective.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 划算

Yes, 划算 is a common term in everyday Chinese conversations, especially when discussing shopping or financial decisions. Many native speakers will use it to describe a deal that seems too good to pass up or when comparing prices.

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