盘算

盤算
pánsuàn
verb HSK 7-9 #15,474

Meanings

  1. 1 to calculate
  2. 2 to plan
  3. 3 to scheme

Examples

Tā xīnlǐ pánsuàn zhe zěnme shěngqián.
He was calculating in his mind how to save money.
Tā pánsuàn le hěn jiǔ cái zuòchū juédìng.
She deliberated for a long time before making a decision.

Tips

usage
盘算 implies careful, sometimes cunning mental calculation. It often suggests private deliberation. Compare with 计算 (mathematical calculation) and 打算 (plan/intend) which are more neutral.
memory
(plate/abacus) + (calculate) — calculating on an abacus = scheming and planning.

Stroke Order

pán
suàn