Translation and Meaning of: 計 - kei

The Japanese word 計[けい] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries meanings and uses that go beyond the basic. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding words like 計[けい] can open doors to more natural and contextualized communication.

In addition to uncovering the translation and the kanji that compose it, let's dive into practical examples and curiosities that make this word an interesting piece of Japanese vocabulary. Whether for those seeking to learn Japanese efficiently or for those wanting to learn more about the culture behind the language, this text will provide valuable information about 計[けい].

Meaning and use of 計[けい]

計[けい] is a term that generally refers to "counting," "calculation," or "plan." It appears in compound words such as 計算[けいさん] (calculation) and 計画[けいかく] (plan, project). Its presence in technical and everyday vocabulary shows how versatile and useful it is for expressing ideas related to organization and measurement.

In business or academic contexts, 計[けい] is often used to indicate metrics and strategies. For example, 会計[かいけい] means "accounting," highlighting its connection to numbers and records. This practical application makes it a relevant word for those studying Japanese with a focus on business or exact sciences.

Origin and writing of the kanji 計

The kanji 計 is composed of two main elements: 言[ごんべん] (related to speech) and 十[じゅう] (ten). This combination suggests the idea of "speaking numbers" or "organizing information," which makes sense considering its current meaning. The etymology reinforces its connection with counting and planning, concepts that have been present since its creation.

It is worth noting that 計 is not an isolated kanji—it appears in various combinations that broaden its meaning. Learning these compounds can be an effective strategy to memorize not only the character itself but also to expand vocabulary. Words like 時計[とけい] (clock) show how it adapts to different contexts.

Tips for memorizing and using 計[けい]

An effective way to fix 計[けい] is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, when looking at a clock (時計), remember that it "counts" the hours. This type of mental connection helps retain not only the meaning but also the pronunciation and the kanjis involved. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, like "この計画は重要です" (This plan is important).

Moreover, observing how 計[けい] appears in authentic materials—such as news, manuals, or even in animes—can solidify your learning. Words like 合計[ごうけい] (total) are common in commercial contexts, so paying attention to these real uses makes study more dynamic and applicable.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

算 (san) - Calculate, compute.
数える (kazoeru) - Count, enumerate.
測る (hakaru) - Measure, evaluate (usually used for physical quantities).
計算する (keisan suru) - Calculate, do calculations (emphasizes the calculation process).
計量する (keiryou suru) - Weighing, measuring in terms of quantity (emphasizes precise measurements).

Related words

余計

yokei

too much; unnecessary; abundance; surplus; excess; superfluity

見計らう

mihakarau

Choose your own criterion

計る

hakaru

measure; to weight; to research; for time (sound meter estimate)

時計

tokei

Wristwatch

統計

toukei

Statistics

設計

sekkei

flat; design

生計

seikei

subsistence; living

集計

shuukei

totalization; aggregate

合計

goukei

total sum; amount

計算

keisan

calculation; accounting

計

Romaji: kei
Kana: けい
Type: noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: plan

Meaning in English: plan

Definition: The work of counting and measuring things.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (計) kei

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (計) kei:

Example Sentences - (計) kei

See below some example sentences:

集計を行っています。

Shuukei wo okonatteimasu

I am counting the count.

We are conducting aggregation.

集計 - means "aggregation" or "consolidation" in Japanese, and refers to a process of collecting and analyzing data to obtain useful information.
を - it is a particle of object in Japanese, which indicates the target of the verb's action.
行っています - it is a verbal form in Japanese that indicates an ongoing action, in this case, "we are doing".

設計は製品の成功に欠かせない要素です。

Sekkei wa seihin no seikō ni kakasenai yōso desu

Design is an essential element for the success of a product.

Design is an indispensable factor in the success of the product.

設計 (sekkei) - Design
は (wa) - marcador de tópico
製品 (seihin) - product
の (no) - possessive particle
成功 (seikou) - success
に (ni) - indicando o alvo de uma ação
欠かせない (kakasenai) - indispensable
要素 (yousou) - element
です (desu) - copula

算盤を使って計算する。

Soroban wo tsukatte keisan suru

Calculate using the abacus.

Calculate using a spatula.

算盤 (soroban) - a Japanese abacus used for mathematical calculations
を (wo) - object particle
使って (tsukatte) - continuous form of the verb "tsukau", meaning "to use"
計算 (keisan) - Calculation
する (suru) - verb that means "to do"

私の時計は壊れました。

Watashi no tokei wa kowaremashita

My watch broke.

My watch was broken.

私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
の - particle indicating possession, equivalent to "my"
時計 - noun meaning "watch"
は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
壊れました - verb meaning "broke" or "is broken", conjugated in the past tense

大概な計画を立てる。

Taigai na keikaku wo tateru

Make a rough plan.

Flatter.

大概 - generally, approximately
な - Particle indicating adjective
計画 - Plan, project
を - particle that indicates direct object
立てる - make, create, establish

大凡の計画は失敗する。

Daibon no keikaku wa shippai suru

Roughly planned projects are doomed to fail.

The overall plan fails.

大凡 - means "generally" or "in general".
の - possession particle, which indicates that "大凡" is the possessor of the next word.
計画 - means "plan" or "project".
は - topic particle, which indicates that "計画" is the subject of the sentence.
失敗する - means "to fail".

割り算は数学の基本的な計算方法です。

Warizan wa suugaku no kihonteki na keisan houhou desu

Division is a basic calculation method in mathematics.

Division is the basic calculation method in mathematics.

割り算 - It means "division" in Japanese.
は - It is a TOPIC1TICLE particle indicating that "divisão" is the subject of the sentence.
数学 - It means "mathematics" in Japanese.
の - It is a possessive particle indicating that "mathematics" is the owner of "division".
基本的な - It means "basic" or "fundamental" in Japanese.
計算方法 - means "calculation method" in Japanese.
です - It is a closing partic1E31Cle that indicates that the sentence is complete and formal.