小算盘

小算盤

xiǎosuànpán

noun #29,371

Meanings

1 selfish calculations
2 self-serving scheming
3 bean-counting; petty self-interest

Characters

small; petty; minor

to calculate; to count; to plan

plate; tray; abacus

Examples

他心里打着小算盘，不肯出力。

Tā xīn lǐ dǎzhe xiǎo suànpán, bù kěn chū lì.

He was doing selfish calculations in his head and refused to pitch in.

别老打小算盘，要顾全大局。

Bié lǎo dǎ xiǎo suànpán, yào gùquán dàjú.

Stop scheming for personal gain — you need to think about the bigger picture.

Tips

memory

Literally a 'small abacus' — someone mentally calculating their own petty advantage. If 大局 (big picture) is the grand ledger, 小算盘 is the personal pocket abacus you secretly consult for selfish gains.

Stroke Order

小 xiǎo

算 suàn

盘 pán