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:

合計はいくらですか？

Goukei wa ikura desu ka?

What is the total?

How much is the total?

Input - - - indicates that the following sentence is a data entry.
合計 - - - means "total" in Japanese.
は - - - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "total".
いくら - - - means "how much" in Japanese.
です - - - It is a polite way to say "is" in Japanese.
か - - - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates a question.
Output - - - indicates that the following sentence is a data output.

きっちりと計画を立てる。

Kitchiri to keikaku wo tateru

Plan exactly.

きっちりと - adverb meaning "precisely" or "exactly."
計画 - noun meaning "plan" or "project".
を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
立てる - verb meaning "create" or "establish."

この秤は正確に計量できます。

Kono hakari wa seikaku ni keiryou dekimasu

This scale can measure accurately.

This scale can be measured accurately.

この - demonstrative "this"
秤 - noun "scale"
は - Topic particle
正確に - adverb "precisely"
計量 - noun "measurement"
できます - the verb "can be done" (polite form)

この腕時計を着けるのはとても簡単です。

Kono udedokei wo tsukeru no wa totemo kantan desu

Wearing this watch is very easy.

この - this
腕時計 - Wristwatch
を - direct object particle
着ける - use, place
のは - particle that indicates topic
とても - very
簡単 - easy
です - Verb to be/estar in the present

この詐欺は巧妙に計画されていた。

Kono sagi wa kōmyō ni keikaku sarete ita

This coup was carefully planned.

This coup was cleverly planned.

この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
詐欺 - noun "fraud, scam"
は - Topic particle
巧妙に - adverb "skillfully, cunningly"
計画されていた - verb "to be planned" conjugated in the past progressive

この計画は壮大なものだ。

Kono keikaku wa sōdai na mono da

This plan is grand.

This plane is magnificent.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
計画 - noun meaning "plan" or "project"
は - topic particle indicating that the preceding noun is the topic of the sentence
壮大な - adjective meaning "magnificent" or "grand"
もの - noun that can mean "thing" or "object", but in this case it is used as a suffix to emphasize the grandeur of the plan
だ - verb ser/estar in the present tense, which indicates the existence or identity of the preceding noun

この計画は台無しになった。

Kono keikaku wa dainashi ni natta

This plan was ruined.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
計画 - noun meaning "plan" or "project"
は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
台無し - adjective meaning "ruined" or "spoiled"
に - particle indicating action or state
なった - verb in the past form meaning "became" or "stood"

この計画には明るい見通しがある。

Kono keikaku ni wa akarui mitooshi ga aru

This plan has a bright outlook.

この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one";
計画 - noun meaning "plan" or "project";
には - particle that indicates the existence of something in a certain place or moment, in this case, "in relation to this plan";
明るい - adjective meaning "bright" or "illuminated", used here to indicate a positive perspective in relation to the plan;
見通しが - noun that means "vision" or "perspective", followed by the particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "there is a perspective";
ある - verb that means "to exist" or "to have", used here to indicate the existence of a positive perspective in relation to the plan.