盘算

盤算
pánsuàn
verb HSK 7 #15,474

Meanings

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

Examples

Tā xīnlǐ pánsuàn zhe zěnme shěng qián.
He was calculating in his mind how to save money.
Tā pánsuàn le hěn jiǔ cái zuò chū 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