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算 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
算suànto regard asHSK 4, v, 14 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #276, Medium
算suànto figureHSK 4, v, 14 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #276, Medium
算suànto calculateHSK 4, v, 14 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #276, Medium
算suànto computeHSK 4, v, 14 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #276, Medium
算suànto calculate, to count; to figure, to planHSK 4, v, 14 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #276, Medium
suàn(suan4)suan T4
  1. 1to regard as
  2. 2to figure
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

算suàn(suan4)

The character 算 (suàn) primarily means 'to calculate' or 'to count.' It is often used in contexts involving mathematics or accounting, but it can also imply considering or regarding something in a particular way. For example, one might say '算了' (suàn le) to mean 'forget it' or 'never mind,' showing its versatility in conversational contexts.

Strokes14Radical⺮Frequency#276DifficultyMedium
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the practice of calculating and planning is highly valued, often seen in traditional practices such as Feng Shui, where precise calculations are believed to influence prosperity and harmony in life. The importance of being calculated in social interactions can also be reflected in the phrase '算计' (suàn jì), which means to scheme or plan carefully.

Memory tip

Imagine a calculator (算) that not only computes numbers but also helps you figure out how to plan your day. The character is composed of the radical '竹' (bamboo), which represents something structured and precise, and '算' itself suggests the action of counting or calculating, linking the idea of order to the process of computation.

Meanings of 算

suàn(suan4)
1to regard as
2to figure
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 算 means.

About 算

算Simplified
14Strokes
⺮Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#276Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 算

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Podcast: 算

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AI study notes for 算

Quick Contrast

算 (suàn) vs 计算 (jìsuàn) — use 算 for informal contexts or general counting, while 计算 is more formal and specific to mathematical calculations.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 算 (suàn) with similar-sounding words like '酸' (suān), which means 'sour.' This word is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but the phrase '算账' (suàn zhàng) specifically refers to accounting or settling accounts. Also, remember that '算' can imply both literal calculation and figurative consideration.

HSK Study Tips

算 (suàn) is often introduced at HSK 2, where students learn basic verbs and actions. It connects well with other counting and calculating terms, such as 数 (shù, number) and 计 (jì, to plan). Focus on using it in sentences that involve math or personal planning to reinforce its meaning.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using 算 when referring to a one-time calculation, as in '我算' instead of '我计算' (I calculate), which is more appropriate for formal contexts. Another mistake is using it redundantly, like saying '算算' when just '算' suffices.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 算

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Etymology of 算

Formation typeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Depicts an abacus, a tool (具) made from bamboo (⺮) for performing calculations.

Memory hint

A bamboo ⺮ abacus 具

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 算?

Decomposition of 算

IDS Structure⿱⺮具
算Full character
=
⺮zhu2
top
具ju4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 算?

How to say to regard as in Chinese

“to regard as” in Chinese is算suàn

The character 算 (suàn) primarily means 'to calculate' or 'to count.' It is often used in contexts involving mathematics or accounting, but it can also imply considering or regarding something in a particular way. For example, one might say '算了' (suàn le) to mean 'forget it' or 'never mind,' showing its versatility in conversational contexts.

When to use 算

Be careful not to confuse 算 (suàn) with similar-sounding words like '酸' (suān), which means 'sour.' This word is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but the phrase '算账' (suàn zhàng) specifically refers to accounting or settling accounts. Also, remember that '算' can imply both literal calculation and figurative consideration.

算 or something close to it

算 (suàn) vs 计算 (jìsuàn) — use 算 for informal contexts or general counting, while 计算 is more formal and specific to mathematical calculations.

What learners get wrong

A common mistake is using 算 when referring to a one-time calculation, as in '我算' instead of '我计算' (I calculate), which is more appropriate for formal contexts. Another mistake is using it redundantly, like saying '算算' when just '算' suffices.

Write 算

算

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

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Grammar patterns of 算

算 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.

Related grammar lessons6
是…的 emphasis是 + [V] + 的
HSK 3

Used to emphasize the action of calculating or regarding something.

这是我算的结果。

Zhè shì wǒ suàn de jiéguǒ.

This is the result that I calculated.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

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

你打____去旅行？

You're planning to travel?

Common confusions with 算

的 modifies nouns, while 算 is a verb meaning to calculate.

1

我算了这道题。

的 modifies nouns, while 算 is a verb meaning to calculate.

💡Remember, 算 is about calculating, while 的 is for modifying.

Usage Notes for 算

Using 算 in calculationsGrammar Tip

When using 算 in calculations, it's often followed by a number or an equation.

1

我算了三加五。

I calculated three plus five.

Exercise 1 of 1

Get it right

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

我____了三加五。

I calculated three plus five.

Example sentences for 算 (14)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我算是朵墙花，因为我特别害羞。

wǒ suànshì duǒ qiáng huā， yīnwèi wǒ tèbié hàixiū。

I was something of a wallflower; I was terribly shy.
2
我向他保证，我绝对没打算让他走人。

wǒ xiàng tā bǎozhèng， wǒ juéduì méi dǎsuàn ràng tā zǒu rén。

I've assured him I have no plans to let him go.
3
我的花园只能算是中等大小。

wǒ de huāyuán zhǐnéng suànshì zhōngděng dàxiǎo。

I would class my garden as medium in size.
4
我们的生活虽然并非锦衣玉食，也算是衣食无忧。

wǒmen de shēnghuó suīrán bìngfēi jǐn yī yù shí， yě suànshì yī shí wú yōu。

We don't live in the lap of luxury, but we're comfortable.
5
军官们打算重新夺回该市的防御区。

jūnguān men dǎsuàn chóngxīn duó huí gāi shì de fángyù Ōu。

Officers were going to retake sectors of the city.
6
谁愿意从一家要倒闭的公司买计算机呢？

shéi yuànyì cóng yī jiā yào dǎobì de gōngsī mǎi jìsuànjī ne？

Who wants to buy a computer from a failing company?
7
我应该指出，这些估算仅包括医院的费用。

wǒ yīnggāi zhǐchū， zhèxiē gūsuàn jǐn bāokuò yīyuàn de fèiyong。

I should point out that these estimates cover just the hospital expenditures.
8
你打算怎样来发展壮大自己的公司？

nǐ dǎsuàn zěnyàng lái fāzhǎn zhuàngdà zìjǐ de gōngsī？

What are your plans for the development of your company?
9
你要是打算改造阁楼，这些地址会派上用场。

nǐ yàoshi dǎsuàn gǎizào gélóu， zhèxiē dìzhǐ huì pài shàng yòng chǎng。

If you're converting your loft, these addresses will be useful.
10
你现在已经拿到学位了，打算做什么？

nǐ xiànzài yǐjīng nádào xuéwèi le， dǎsuàn zuò shénme？

Now you've got your degree, what will you do?
11
这次的比赛结果虽然不理想，但也算是一次宝贵的经验。

Zhè cì de bǐsài jiéguǒ suīrán bù lǐxiǎng, dàn yě suàn shì yī cì bǎoguì de jīngyàn.

Although the result of the competition was not ideal, it can be regarded as a valuable experience.
12
在这个行业里，他已经算是顶尖的专家了。

Zài zhège hángyè lǐ, tā yǐjīng suàn shì dǐngjiān de zhuānjiā le.

In this industry, he is regarded as a top expert.
13
虽然她年纪轻轻，但已经算是颇有成就的作家了。

Suīrán tā niánjì qīngqīng, dàn yǐjīng suàn shì pō yǒu chéngjiù de zuòjiā le.

Although she is very young, she is already regarded as a quite accomplished writer.
14
这部电影虽然票房一般，但算是导演风格的一个代表作。

Zhè bù diànyǐng suīrán piàofáng yībān, dàn suàn shì dǎoyǎn fēnggé de yīgè dàibiǎozuò.

Although the box office for this movie was average, it is regarded as a representative work of the director's style.

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Cultural Notes for 算

💡Did you know?

The character '算' is associated with calculation and mathematics, reflecting the importance of numeracy in Chinese culture. The bamboo abacus, called '算盘' (suanpan), is a traditional calculating tool that has been used for centuries.

Word Family of 算

Words containing this character20
算suànto figure
打算dǎsuànto plan
算是suànshìat last
计算jìsuànto count計算
就算jiùsuàneven if
计算机jìsuànjīcomputer計算機
预算yùsuànbudget預算
算了suànlelet it be
总算zǒngsuànfinally總算
结算jiésuànto settle a bill結算
核算hésuànto calculate
说了算shuōlesuànto have the final say說了算
清算qīngsuànto settle accounts
测算cèsuànto take measurements and calculate測算
算法suànfǎarithmetic
划算huásuànto calculate
估算gūsuànassessment
算数suànshùto count numbers算數
算计suànjìto reckon算計
运算yùnsuànto perform calculations運算
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 算

What does 打算 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 算

Some common phrases include '算了' (suànle), meaning 'forget it' or 'never mind,' and '算算' (suàn suàn), which means 'to calculate' or 'to estimate.' These phrases are frequently used in everyday conversations.

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