そろばん
Meanings
1
abacus; soroban
usually written using kana alone
Refers to the Japanese abacus, a physical calculating tool with beads on rods.
I learned the abacus when I was a child.
Calculating with an abacus is fun.
2
calculation; reckoning; profit-and-loss calculation
usually written using kana alone
Figurative use, often in business contexts, referring to counting or calculating gains and losses. Common in phrases like そろばんが合う (the accounts balance) or そろばん勘定 (calculating in terms of money).
He always thinks about things in terms of profit and loss.
This plan doesn't add up financially.
Usage patterns
- そろばんを弾くto work an abacus (to calculate)
The shopkeeper worked the abacus to get the total.
- そろばんが合うfor the accounts/figures to balance (to be profitable)
This business doesn't add up financially.
- そろばん教室に通うto attend abacus lessons
I used to go to abacus lessons as a child.