計
Meanings
Refers to a plan, scheme, or arrangement. Often used in compounds like 計画 (plan) or 計略 (stratagem). As a standalone noun, it can mean a plan or design, but is more common in compound words.
His plan ended in failure.
This plan was made with a long-term perspective.
meter; gauge; measuring device
Used as a suffix to indicate a measuring instrument or meter, e.g., 温度計 (thermometer), 速度計 (speedometer). Also used as a standalone noun for a measuring device.
I measured the room temperature with a thermometer.
This gauge is very precise.
Prefix meaning 'total' or 'in total'. Used in words like 計数 (total count) or 計量 (measurement/weighing). Not freely productive; mostly appears in established compounds.
A total of ten people participated.
Measure the flour with a measuring cup.
Usage patterns
- 計を立てるto devise a plan or scheme
He secretly devised a scheme.
- 計〈数〉a total of ~ (used before a number)
There were a total of 50 participants.
Expressions
- 計約approximate total (of); roughly totaling
- 一年の計は元旦にありthe whole year's plans should be made on New Year's Day
- 三十六計逃げるに如かずthe best strategy is to run away; he who fights and runs away may live to fight another day