算盘 suànpán abacus
abacus; plan; scheme
How to remember 算盘: 算 calculate + 盘 tray = abacus.
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How it is used
- The abacus - 打算盘 (dǎ suànpán) to work an abacus.
- Very common figuratively for calculating one's own advantage: 打小算盘 (dǎ xiǎo suànpán) to scheme for personal gain; 如意算盘 wishful scheming.
- 如意算盘落空 = one's plans/calculations came to nothing.