精打细算
精打细算 (jīng dǎ xì suàn) literally means “carefully calculate precisely” and expresses “calculate carefully; be frugal and precise”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: jing da xi suan, jing da xi suan,精打细算 meaning, 精打细算 in english
Calculate carefully; be frugal and precise
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。
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
一帆风顺
yī fān fēng shùn
Plain sailing; everything going smoothly
Learn more →
千里迢迢
qiān lǐ tiáo tiáo
Travel a great distance
Learn more →
民富国强
mín fù guó qiáng
Prosperous people and powerful nation
Learn more →
国泰民安
guó tài mín ān
National peace and public security
Learn more →
太平盛世
tài píng shèng shì
Golden age of peace and prosperity
Learn more →
四海升平
sì hǎi shēng píng
Peace everywhere; universal harmony
Learn more →
安土重迁
ān tǔ zhòng qiān
Prefer stability; reluctant to relocate
Learn more →
故土难离
gù tǔ nán lí
Hard to leave one's homeland
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 精打细算 mean in English?
精打细算 (jīng dǎ xì suàn) literally translates to “Carefully calculate precisely” and is used to express “Calculate carefully; be frugal and precise”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 精打细算 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving calculate carefully; be frugal and precise.
What is the pinyin for 精打细算?
The pinyin pronunciation for 精打细算 is “jīng dǎ xì suàn”.