Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
计算 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
计算
jìsuàn
to count
HSK 5, v, 18 strokes, rank #4433, Hard
计算
jìsuàn
to calculate
HSK 5, v, 18 strokes, rank #4433, Hard
计算
jìsuàn
to compute
HSK 5, v, 18 strokes, rank #4433, Hard
jìsuàn(ji4suan4)ji suan T4
1to count
2to calculate
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
计算(計算)jìsuàn(ji4suan4)
计算 (ji4 suan4) means to count or to calculate, often used in mathematical or financial contexts. It can refer to performing arithmetic operations or estimating quantities in various fields, such as science, engineering, and business.
Strokes18Frequency#4433DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese education, there is a strong emphasis on mathematics from an early age, and 计算 is often a fundamental skill taught in schools. The importance of precise calculations is reflected in traditional Chinese practices, such as feng shui, where accurate measurements are crucial.
Memory tip
Think of 计算 as 'ji' (sounds like 'gee') for 'geeks' who love to 'suan' (count) numbers! Imagine a group of scientists in lab coats calculating complex equations, which helps you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.
Meanings of 计算
jìsuàn(ji4suan4)
1to count
2to calculate
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 计算 means.
About 计算
计算Simplified
計算Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4433Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 计算
Podcast: 计算
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 计算
Quick Contrast
估算 (gūsuàn) vs 计算 (jìsuàn): use 计算 for precise calculations, while 估算 is for rough estimates.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tones; the correct pronunciation is crucial as mispronouncing can lead to misunderstandings. Common collocations include 计算机 (computer) and 计算方法 (calculation method). It's generally used in formal contexts, especially in academic or professional settings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 计算 connects to other mathematical terminology you may encounter, such as 数学 (mathematics) and 计量 (measurement). Focus on practicing its usage in sentences to become comfortable with its context.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 计算 with 估计 (to estimate). For example, saying '我计算这个问题' (I estimate this problem) is incorrect; it should be '我估计这个问题'. Additionally, remember to use the correct tones to avoid confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 计算
Premium — Locked
Tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 计算, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 计算 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 计算?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 计算 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
计算 (ji4 suan4) means to count or to calculate, often used in mathematical or financial contexts. It can refer to performing arithmetic operations or estimating quantities in various fields, such as science, engineering, and business.
When to use 计算
Be careful with the tones; the correct pronunciation is crucial as mispronouncing can lead to misunderstandings. Common collocations include 计算机 (computer) and 计算方法 (calculation method). It's generally used in formal contexts, especially in academic or professional settings.
计算 or something close to it
估算 (gūsuàn) vs 计算 (jìsuàn): use 计算 for precise calculations, while 估算 is for rough estimates.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 计算 with 估计 (to estimate). For example, saying '我计算这个问题' (I estimate this problem) is incorrect; it should be '我估计这个问题'. Additionally, remember to use the correct tones to avoid confusion.
Write 计算
计
算
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 计算 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar patterns of 计算
计算 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 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
