算盤そろばん勘かん定じょう

noun

abacus calculation; counting on the abacus

Literal use: performing arithmetic with an abacus. Often implies a meticulous, step-by-step reckoning.

• 祖そ父ふは今いまでも算盤そろばん勘かん定じょうで帳ちょう簿ぼをつけている。

  My grandfather still keeps the books using an abacus.

noun

cost-benefit calculation; profit calculation; cold calculation

Figurative use: calculating gains and losses in a detached, often self-interested way. Can carry a negative nuance of being overly mercenary.

• 彼かれの行こう動どうはいつも算盤そろばん勘かん定じょうだ。

  His actions are always based on cold calculation.

• 友ゆう情じょうに算盤そろばん勘かん定じょうを持もち込こむな。

  Don't bring profit-and-loss thinking into friendship.