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March 24, 2026
打算dǎsuàn(da3suan4)
打算 (dǎ suàn) means 'to plan' or 'to intend' and is commonly used to express one's intentions or calculations regarding future actions. It can refer to informal plans, such as deciding what to do over the weekend, or more serious intentions like career goals.
Frequency#457DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, planning is often seen as a sign of responsibility and foresight. 打算 is commonly used in everyday conversations, reflecting the importance of being prepared for future events, whether personal or business-related.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding a large calculator (the radical 打, meaning 'to hit' or 'to strike') while simultaneously making plans with a piece of paper. This visual connects the action of calculating (算) with the intention of planning (打算), helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
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AI Study Notes for 打算
Quick Contrast
计划 (jìhuà) - use 打算 for informal or personal intentions, while 计划 is more formal and structured, often implying a detailed arrangement.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person holding a large calculator (the radical 打, meaning 'to hit' or 'to strike') while simultaneously making plans with a piece of paper. This visual connects the action of calculating (算) with the intention of planning (打算), helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
打算 is typically used in informal contexts, but it can also be appropriate in casual formal settings. Students often confuse it with similar terms like 计划 (jì huà), which is more formal and structured. Remember to use the correct tones; using the wrong tone can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 打算 connects well with other verbs of intention or planning at this level, such as 想 (xiǎng, to think/want) and 需要 (xū yào, to need). Focus on constructing sentences that express your plans using this verb.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, planning is often seen as a sign of responsibility and foresight. 打算 is commonly used in everyday conversations, reflecting the importance of being prepared for future events, whether personal or business-related.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 打算 with 计划 (jì huà). For example, saying '我计划去旅行' instead of '我打算去旅行' can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Use 打算 for everyday planning to sound more natural.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 打算
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Grammar Patterns of 打算
打算 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
I had to postpone ideas of a career and stay at home.
Cultural Notes for 打算
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, planning is often seen as a sign of responsibility and foresight. 打算 is commonly used in everyday conversations, reflecting the importance of being prepared for future events, whether personal or business-related.
Frequently Asked Questions about 打算
You can say, '我打算去旅行。' (Wǒ dǎ suàn qù lǚ xíng.) which means 'I plan to travel.'
打算 is typically informal, making it suitable for everyday conversations, while 计划 is more formal.
Yes, 打算 can be used for both short-term and long-term plans.
