算
calculate, divining, number, abacus, probability
Readings
On'yomi
- サン
Kun'yomi
- そろ
Meaning
算 centers on working with numbers: calculating, counting, or figuring out odds. The abacus and divining senses are traditional tools for that same number work.
Most common words using 算
24 of 432- 計算けいさんN4
calculation; computation; reckoning; counting; adding up; working out; figures
- 予算よさんN3
estimate (of costs); budget
- 決算けっさんN1
settlement of accounts; closing accounts; financial results; reporting (of accounts)
- 換算かんさんN1
conversion (e.g. yen to dollars); change; exchange; translation (numerical)
- 通算つうさん
total; sum; aggregate
- 加算かさん
addition; adding; supplement
- 算出さんしゅつ
calculation; computation
- 算数さんすうN3
arithmetic
- 清算せいさんN1
(financial) settlement; squaring accounts; clearing debts
- 演算えんざん
operation; calculation
- 採算さいさんN1
profit
- 精算せいさんN3
exact calculation; squaring of accounts; adjustment
- 試算しさん
trial calculation; preliminary calculation; estimation
- 算定さんてい
calculation; estimation; computation
- 誤算ごさん
miscalculation
- 積算せきさん
addition; adding up
- 概算がいさん
approximation; rough estimate; ballpark figure
- 足し算たしざんN2
addition
- 掛け算かけざんN3
multiplication
- 引き算ひきざんN3
subtraction
- 公算こうさん
probability; likelihood
- 割り算わりざんN3
division
- 算盤そろばんN2
abacus; soroban
- 珠算しゅざん
calculation on an abacus
Study
Etymology
算 combines 竹 (bamboo) with 具 (tool), originally referring to bamboo counting sticks used for calculation. The modern form keeps 竹 on top and 目 over 廾 below, which is a simplification of the original tool component.
Meaning mnemonic
Bamboo 竹 counting sticks are arranged over an eye 目 and two hands 廾, like someone carefully calculating numbers with an abacus.
Reading mnemonic
For サン, picture the sun (サン) shining on an abacus as you calculate: sun -> サン, and the light helps you see the numbers clearly.