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Kotomora

算

calculate, divining, number, abacus, probability

JLPTN2StatusJōyō · grade 2FrequencyTop 500Strokes14

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

Explore all words using 算 →

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.