算数 suànshù to count numbers
to count numbers; to keep to one's word; to hold (i.e. to remain valid); to count (i.e. to be important)
How to remember 算数: 算 calculate + 数 number = to count numbers.
Characters
How it is used
- To count / hold valid - key idiom sense: 说话算数 (shuōhuà suànshù) to keep one's word, mean what one says; 这次不算数 this one doesn't count.
- Very common colloquially for 'to be binding/valid' or 'to have final say' (谁说了算数).
- Literal sense: doing arithmetic (小孩会算数了).
Example sentences
- 那算数吗？ Nà suànshù ma?Does that count?
- 算数处理数字。 Suànshù chǔlǐ shùzì.Arithmetic deals with numbers.