精打细算

Pronunciation: jīng dǎ xì suàn Literal meaning: Carefully calculate precisely

Origin & Usage

This idiom describes precisely (精) calculating (打) and carefully (细) accounting (算). It emphasizes careful resource management through detailed planning. The phrase appeared in texts praising frugal household management. It represents the virtue of economic prudence through attention to detail. Modern usage describes careful budgeting, efficient resource allocation, or meticulous financial planning that maximizes value from limited resources.

Examples

English: "With careful budgeting, they managed to save enough for the house."

Chinese: 通过精打细算，他们存够了买房的钱。