The word 算 (suàn) has a number of uses which can be translated in a number of ways. None of these is particularly hard to understand, but for the sake of clarity, we've brought them all together in one place. The common theme is that 算 indicates some kind of judgment, and may be thought of as "counts as" or "is considered to be."
Contents
- Structure
- Examples
- See also
- Sources and further reading
- Books
Used with Adjectives
Affirmative Pattern
Besides these commonly used fixed expressions, the word 算 (suàn) or the phrase "还算" (hái suàn) can also be used together with an adjective. 说出来有比较意味。
Structure
Subj. + 算 + (是) + Adj. + 的
Examples
- 这 家 店 的 东西 算 便宜 的 。 Zhè jiā diàn de dōngxi suàn piányi de.
The things in this shop are fairly cheap.
- 我 算 是 幸运 的 。 Wǒ suàn shì xìngyùn de.
I'm lucky actually.
- 我 女儿 算 听话 的 。 Wǒ nǚér suàn tīnghuà de.
My daughter fairly does what it's told.
- 在 我们 公司 ，我 算 年轻 的 。 Zài wǒmen gōngsī, wǒ suàn niánqīng de.
I'm fairly young in our company.
- 你 老板 算 大方 的 ，我 老板 更 抠 。 Your boss is fairly
Negative Pattern
Structure
Subj. + 不 + 算 (+ Adv.) + Adj.
Examples
- 今天 不 算 太 热 。 Jīntiān bù suàn tài rè.
It can't be considered too hot today.
- 这 次 考试 不 算 难 。 Zhè cì kǎoshì bù suàn nán.
This examination can't considered difficult.
- 三十 岁 结婚 不 算 晚。 Sānshí suì jiéhūn bù suàn wǎn.
It can't be considered to be late to get married at 30.
- 他 才 一 米 七五，不 算 很 高 。 Tā cái yī mǐ qīwǔ, bù suàn hěn gāo.
He's only 1.75 meter. He can't be considered to be very tall.
- 剪 个 头发 五十 块 ，不 算 贵 。 Jiǎn gè tóufa wǔshí kuài, bù suàn guì.
Fifty kuai for a haircut. It can't be considered expensive.
Used with Noun
Structure
Examples
- 你 家 谁 算 老大 ？ Nǐ jiā shéi suàn lǎodà?
Who can be considered as the boss in your family?
- 深圳 算 中国 最 重要 的 城市 之一 。 Shēnzhèn suàn Zhōngguó zuì zhòngyào de chéngshì zhīyī.
Shenzhen can be considered as one of the most important cities in China.
- 美国 的 中国 菜 算 真正 的 中国 菜 吗 ？ Měiguó de Zhōngguó cài suàn zhēnzhèng de Zhōngguó cài ma?
Can American Chinese food considered as real Chinese food?
- 这 已经 不 算 秘密 了 。 Zhè yǐjīng bù suàn mìmì le.
It's no longer a secret.
Colloquial Sayings with 算
Examples
- 算 你 狠！ Suàn nǐ hěn!
Well aren't you!
- 你 算 老几 ？ Nǐ suàn lǎojǐ?
Who do you think you are?
- 这 不 算 什么 。 Zhè bù suàn shénme.
It's no big deal.
Sources and further reading
Books