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

HSK 6

他心里打着小算盘，不肯出力。

Tā xīnlǐ dǎ zhe xiǎosuànpán, bùkěn chūlì.

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

HSK 7-9

别老打小算盘，要顾全大局。

Bié lǎo dǎ xiǎosuànpán, 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