Definitions

(verb) to calculate; to compute; to count
(verb) to plan; to scheme
(noun) meter; gauge

Etymology

Depicts saying () numbers () to count or calculate.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "计" originates from the combination of the semantic component "言", meaning speech or words, and the phonetic component "十", representing the number ten. This structure reflects its earliest core meaning of verbal calculation, tallying, or reckoning, as in counting and presenting a numerical account. Over centuries, its meaning naturally broadened from this concrete act of calculation to encompass more abstract forms of planning, strategizing, and devising methods, leading to its use in words for schemes, meters, and ideas. The traditional form "計" maintains an identical construction and the same essential components, with the evolution of its meaning residing not in a structural change but in an expanded application from specific arithmetic to general deliberation and intention.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

划明天去。

Wǒ jìhuà míngtiān qù.

I plan to go tomorrow.

公司有新的划。

Gōngsī yǒu xīn de jìhuà.

The company has a new plan.

算数学题很难。

Jìsuàn shùxué tí hěn nán.

Calculating math problems is hard.

请你时十分钟。

Qǐng nǐ jìshí shí fēnzhōng.

Please time ten minutes.

这张图花了三天。

Shèjì zhè zhāng tú huā le sān tiān.

Designing this drawing took three days.

数据显示增长。

Tǒngjì shùjù xiǎnshì zēngzhǎng.

Statistical data shows growth.

这个谋非常巧妙。

Zhè ge jìmóu fēicháng qiǎomiào.

This stratagem is very clever.

下周完成项目。

Yùjì xià zhōu wánchéng xiàngmù.

It is estimated that the project will be completed next week.