识数

識數

shíshù

verb

Meanings

1 to know how to count
2 to be numerate
3 (fig.) to know what's what; to have sense

Characters

to know; to recognize

Examples

三岁的孩子已经识数了。

Sān suì de háizi yǐjīng shíshù le.

The three-year-old can already count.

做生意的人不能不识数。

Zuò shēngyì de rén bùnéng bù shíshù.

Anyone in business has to know their numbers.

他做事不识数，让大家很为难。

Tā zuòshì bù shíshù, ràng dàjiā hěn wéinán.

He has no sense of when to stop, which makes things awkward for everyone.

Tips

usage

Two layers: literal numeracy ('can count'), and figurative '识数' = 'know what's reasonable / know your limits.' 不识数 used about a person is a mild criticism — they don't know when enough is enough.

Stroke Order

识 shí

数 shù