Definition
小算盘 literally means 'small abacus', but it's a fixed expression for selfish calculation or self-serving scheming. The abacus is a metaphor for mental calculation, and adding 小 ('small') implies narrow, self-interested planning — often at the expense of others. You'll often see it in the verb-object phrase 打小算盘 ('to scheme for personal gain'). It carries a mildly negative tone, suggesting someone is being petty or opportunistic.
n.
selfish calculationself-serving scheming
Examples
- 小算盘，。Tā zhěngtiān dǎ xiǎo suàn pán, cóng bù kǎolǜ tuánduì de lìyì.He schemes selfishly all day and never considers the team's interests.
- 小算盘，。Nǐ nàxiē xiǎo suàn pán dàjiā dōu kàn zài yǎn lǐ, bié yǐwéi méi rén zhīdào.Everyone sees your selfish calculations; don't think nobody knows.
- ，小算盘。Zhège xiàngmù xūyào hézuò, bú shì dǎ xiǎo suàn pán de shíhou.This project requires cooperation; it's not the time for selfish scheming.
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