daa2 syun3 pun4打算盤打算盘
Jyutpingdaa2 syun3 pun4
Yaledá syun pùhn
Definition
To use an abacus to calculate; to plan or calculate meticulously.
- to calculate with an abacus
- figurativeto plan; to calculate or budget carefully
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of using a physical abacus, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone who is calculating, petty, or overly focused on personal gain. It implies a person is mentally weighing the pros and cons of a situation to ensure they do not lose out. It often carries a slightly negative connotation when describing someone's character.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
to use an abacus to do calculations
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the metaphorical sense of planning or scheming, which is more commonly expressed as 計數 or 盤算. Using 打算盤 to mean planning a trip or a project sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
