算盤(そろばん)

そろばん
noun
abacus
1. abacus
A calculating device consisting of a frame with rods and movable beads, traditionally used for arithmetic calculations.
子供(こども)の頃(ころ)、算盤(そろばん)を習(なら)っていた。
I learned to use an abacus when I was a child.
算盤(そろばん)で計算(けいさん)する方(ほう)が早(はや)い人(ひと)もいる。
Some people can calculate faster with an abacus.
算盤(そろばん)教室(きょうしつ)に通(かよ)っている。
I go to abacus classes.
算盤(そろばん)の検定(けんてい)に合格(ごうかく)した。
I passed the abacus proficiency test.
算盤(そろばん)を習(なら)うと暗算(あんざん)が得意(とくい)になると言(い)われている。
It's said that learning the abacus makes you good at mental arithmetic.

The 算盤(そろばん) (Japanese abacus) has been used in Japan for centuries. Despite calculators, abacus education remains popular as it develops mental calculation skills.

STRUCTURE:

The Japanese abacus has:

  • 5 beads on the lower deck (each worth 1)
  • 1 bead on the upper deck (worth 5)
  • Multiple columns for different place values

ABACUS EDUCATION:

  • 算盤(そろばん)教室(きょうしつ): abacus school
  • 珠算(しゅざん): abacus calculation, soroban arithmetic
  • 暗算(あんざん): mental arithmetic (often trained through soroban)
  • 珠算(しゅざん)検定(けんてい): abacus proficiency test

CULTURAL NOTE:
Many Japanese children attend after-school abacus classes (算盤(そろばん)塾(じゅく)) to develop calculation skills and concentration.

core
Added 2026.1.14 7:31 · Revised 2026.3.4 12:42
04000/04400_soroban