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不算 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
不算búsuànto not calculate; to not count; to not be considered (as)HSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #18583, Very Hard
búsuàn(bu2suan4)bu suan T2
  1. 1to not calculate
  2. 2to not count
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March 24, 2026

不算búsuàn(bu2suan4)

不算 (bù suàn) means 'not counted' or 'not considered.' It is often used to indicate that something does not meet certain criteria or is excluded from a calculation or consideration. Common contexts include discussing expenses, time, or qualifications.

Strokes18Frequency#18583DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of counting can extend beyond numbers to social relationships and reputations, where some actions may not be 'counted' as meaningful depending on the context, such as informal gatherings versus formal events.

Memory tip

Imagine a calculator that refuses to count certain numbers. The '不' (bù) looks like a line through the number, indicating it's not included, while '算' (suàn) resembles an abacus, the traditional counting tool. Together, they remind you that certain things are 'not counted.'

Meanings of 不算

búsuàn(bu2suan4)
1to not calculate
2to not count
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About 不算

不算Simplified
18Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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AI study notes for 不算

Quick Contrast

不算 (bù suàn) vs 不包括 (bù bāo kuò) — use 不算 when emphasizing something is not counted in a specific context, while 不包括 suggests exclusion from a broader category.

Usage Notes

Be careful using 不算 in formal situations, as it can sound dismissive. It's often used in conversations about finances or comparisons, such as '这项费用不算在内' (this expense is not counted). Remember that the tone of '不' should be pronounced with a falling tone, and '算' is pronounced with a rising tone.

HSK Study Tips

不算 is useful for HSK 3 learners as it combines the negation '不' with the verb '算' (to count). Students should focus on the tonal differences and practice using it in negative sentences to describe exclusions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 不算 with 不重要 (not important) and use it incorrectly in conversations about priorities. For example, saying '这不算重要' (this is not counted as important) can sound awkward when discussing financial matters. Instead, clarify the context by saying '这笔费用不算重要' (this expense is not considered important).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 不算

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Component characters

不bù(negative prefix)
HSK 14 strokes一
View full entry
算suànto regard as
HSK 414 strokes⺮
View full entry

How to say to not calculate in Chinese

“to not calculate” in Chinese is不算búsuàn

不算 (bù suàn) means 'not counted' or 'not considered.' It is often used to indicate that something does not meet certain criteria or is excluded from a calculation or consideration. Common contexts include discussing expenses, time, or qualifications.

When to use 不算

Be careful using 不算 in formal situations, as it can sound dismissive. It's often used in conversations about finances or comparisons, such as '这项费用不算在内' (this expense is not counted). Remember that the tone of '不' should be pronounced with a falling tone, and '算' is pronounced with a rising tone.

不算 or something close to it

不算 (bù suàn) vs 不包括 (bù bāo kuò) — use 不算 when emphasizing something is not counted in a specific context, while 不包括 suggests exclusion from a broader category.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 不算 with 不重要 (not important) and use it incorrectly in conversations about priorities. For example, saying '这不算重要' (this is not counted as important) can sound awkward when discussing financial matters. Instead, clarify the context by saying '这笔费用不算重要' (this expense is not considered important).

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不
算

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Frequently asked questions about 不算

You can say, '这项费用不算在预算里,' which means 'This expense is not counted in the budget.'

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