Chinese word

算计

Pronunciation

Pinyinsuàn jì

Meaning

  • verbscheme against

Example

他总是算计别人。tā zǒng shì suàn jì bié rén

He is always scheming against others.

Illustration for 算计 (scheme against)

More examples

他在公司里经常算计同事的职位。tā zài gōng sī lǐ jīng cháng suàn jì tóng shì de zhí wèi

He often schemes against his coworkers for their positions at the company.

Core concept

Uses deliberate calculation to steer another person into serving the planner's advantage.

Common phrases

  • 算计别人suàn jì bié rén

    scheme against others

  • 算计得失suàn jì dé shī

    weigh gains and losses

  • 被算计bèi suàn jì

    be schemed against

Similar words

图谋tú móu: Secretly devise plans or methods for reaching a particular goal.
谋划móu huà: Make a plan and prepare the steps for putting it into action.
欺骗qī piàn: Cause someone to believe something untrue by hiding facts or lying.

Definition in Chinese

用计谋或手段使别人上当或被利用，带有欺骗性和利用他人的意思。yòng jì móu huò shǒu duàn shǐ bié rén shàng dàng huò bèi lì yòng dài yǒu qī piàn xìng hé lì yòng tā rén de yì si

Word origin

The compound 算 (suàn, "calculate") + 计 (jì, "plan") presents a calculated plan directed at another person, giving the word its deceptive and exploitative sense.

Usage tips

  • The word carries strong blame when it describes a person's actions, so it marks suspected intent rather than a simple mistake or an ordinary plan.

Other meanings

  • deceiveverb
  • calculateverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word