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总数 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
总数zǒngshùtotalHSK 5, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #15387, Hard
总数zǒngshùsumHSK 5, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #15387, Hard
总数zǒngshùaggregateHSK 5, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #15387, Hard
zǒngshù(zong3shu4)zong shu T3
  1. 1total
  2. 2sum
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March 24, 2026

总数(總數)zǒngshù(zong3shu4)

总数 (zǒng shù) refers to the total amount or sum of a set of items or values. It is commonly used in mathematical contexts, statistics, and when discussing quantities in everyday life, such as the total cost or total number of participants in an event.

Strokes22Frequency#15387DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 总数 is often emphasized in business and academic settings, where precise numbers can reflect success or failure. For example, during the Chinese New Year, families discuss the 总数 of wealth gained over the past year as part of prosperity rituals.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'total' sum being represented by a large, round '总' (zǒng) pie, where everyone is contributing their piece to make the '数' (shù) complete. The round shape of the pie helps you remember the concept of 'total' as it encompasses everything in one place.

Meanings of 总数

zǒngshù(zong3shu4)
1total
2sum
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About 总数

总数Simplified
總數Traditional
22Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

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Podcast: 总数

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AI Study Notes for 总数

Quick Contrast

总量 (zǒngliàng) refers to the total quantity or volume, often emphasizing the physical amount, while 总数 (zǒngshù) focuses on a numerical count or sum.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 总数 with other terms like 数量 (shù liàng), which refers to quantity rather than total. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but is particularly common in reports and data analysis. Ensure the tone is correctly pronounced, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

Although 总数 is not part of HSK vocabulary lists, it incorporates elements that are foundational in HSK levels, such as numbers and basic counting. Students should familiarize themselves with combining characters to form phrases, as understanding how they work together can enhance their overall comprehension.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 总数 with similar terms like 总体 (zǒng tǐ) which means 'overall' instead of 'total'. For example, saying '总体是三百' (zǒng tǐ shì sān bǎi) is incorrect when referring to a total sum.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 总数

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Component Characters

总zǒngalways
HSK 39 strokes心
View full entry
数shùnumber
HSK 413 strokes攵
View full entry

How to say total in Chinese

“total” in Chinese is总数zǒngshù

总数 (zǒng shù) refers to the total amount or sum of a set of items or values. It is commonly used in mathematical contexts, statistics, and when discussing quantities in everyday life, such as the total cost or total number of participants in an event.

When to use 总数

Be cautious not to confuse 总数 with other terms like 数量 (shù liàng), which refers to quantity rather than total. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but is particularly common in reports and data analysis. Ensure the tone is correctly pronounced, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.

总数 or something close to it

总量 (zǒngliàng) refers to the total quantity or volume, often emphasizing the physical amount, while 总数 (zǒngshù) focuses on a numerical count or sum.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 总数 with similar terms like 总体 (zǒng tǐ) which means 'overall' instead of 'total'. For example, saying '总体是三百' (zǒng tǐ shì sān bǎi) is incorrect when referring to a total sum.

Write 总数

总
数

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Frequently Asked Questions about 总数

You can say '总数是三百' (zǒng shù shì sān bǎi), which means 'The total is three hundred.'

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