算盘

算盤

suànpán

noun HSK 7-9 #21,364

Measure Word

一个算盘 gè

Meanings

1 abacus
2 calculating plan; scheme (figurative)

Characters

tray; board; plate

Examples

古代中国人用算盘来计算。

Gǔdài Zhōngguórén yòng suànpán lái jìsuàn.

Ancient Chinese used the abacus for calculations.

他心里打着自己的小算盘。

Tā xīnlǐ dǎ zhe zìjǐ de xiǎosuànpán.

He has his own little scheme in mind.

Tips

culture

打算盘 literally means 'to use an abacus,' but figuratively means 'to make calculations / have a hidden agenda.' 小算盘 (little abacus) implies a selfish scheme.

Stroke Order

算 suàn

盘 pán