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.
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。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
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: With careful budgeting, they managed to save enough for the house.
What is the pinyin for 精打细算?
The pinyin pronunciation for 精打细算 is “jīng dǎ xì suàn”.