tính toan

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To calculate: To perform a mathematical operation to determine a numerical result.
   • To plan / to scheme: To think carefully and make detailed arrangements for a future event, often with a connotation of self-interest or cunning.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Tôi cần tính toán chi phí cho chuyến đi. (I need to calculate the cost for the trip.)
  • Anh ta luôn tính toán mọi thứ rất kỹ lưỡng. (He always plans everything very meticulously.)
  • Họ tính toán để giành lợi thế trong thương vụ. (They schemed to gain an advantage in the deal.)

Advanced Usage

• "tính toán chi li": to calculate or plan in an extremely meticulous, penny-pinching manner.
  • Bà chủ tính toán chi li từng khoản chi nhỏ. (The owner calculated every small expense with extreme penny-pinching.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tính (v): to calculate, to compute. Often used for pure mathematical calculation.

  • Đứa trẻ học cách tính nhẩm. (The child learns to do mental calculation.)

• Toan tính (v): to scheme, to plot. Often carries a stronger negative connotation of secret planning.

  • Hắn toan tính một kế hoạch đen tối. (He plotted a sinister plan.)

Synonyms

• Calculate: To determine mathematically.
• Plan: To devise a method for achieving an objective.
• Scheme: To make secret or cunning plans, often for a selfish purpose.

Related Idioms

• Tính toán nước cờ: to plan one's moves (like in chess); to strategize.

  • Để thành công, anh phải biết tính toán nước cờ. (To succeed, you must know how to plan your moves.)

• Tính trước tính sau: to consider all possibilities, both immediate and future.

  • Một nhà lãnh đạo giỏi phải biết tính trước tính sau. (A good leader must know how to consider all eventualities.)