算数
Meanings
arithmetic; elementary school math
Refers specifically to the arithmetic taught in Japanese elementary schools, covering basic operations and simple problem-solving. Not used for higher-level mathematics.
When I was in elementary school, I liked arithmetic the most.
You can solve this problem with just elementary school math knowledge.
A broader, somewhat colloquial use for simple calculation or counting, often in everyday contexts like figuring out a total or checking numbers.
It's just simple calculation, so I can do it in my head.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉は算数が得意だto be good at arithmetic
My little brother is good at arithmetic and always gets a perfect score.
- 〈人〉は算数が苦手だto be bad at arithmetic
I'm bad at arithmetic and struggled with fraction calculations.
- 算数を教えるto teach arithmetic
The teacher is teaching the children arithmetic.
- 算数の問題を解くto solve an arithmetic problem
I solved ten arithmetic problems for homework.
- 算数の授業arithmetic class
Today's third period is arithmetic class.