珠算(しゅざん)

しゅざん
noun
abacus calculation; soroban arithmetic
1. abacus calculation; soroban arithmetic
The art and skill of calculating with a {そろばん} (abacus). Often refers to the school subject or after-school class where children learn this skill.
珠算(しゅざん)を習(なら)う。
To learn abacus.
彼女(かのじょ)は珠算(しゅざん)二級(にきゅう)を持(も)っている。
She has a second-rank abacus certification.
子供(こども)の頃(ころ)に珠算(しゅざん)を学(まな)んだおかげで、今(いま)でも暗算(あんざん)が得意(とくい)だ。
Thanks to learning abacus as a child, I'm still good at mental arithmetic.

珠(しゅ) refers to the beads of the abacus; 算(さん) means 'calculation.'

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 珠算(しゅざん)教室(きょうしつ): abacus class/school
  • 珠算(しゅざん)検定(けんてい): abacus proficiency exam
  • 珠算(しゅざん)大会(たいかい): abacus competition

CULTURAL CONTEXT:
The abacus remains a popular after-school activity in Japan, valued for building number sense and mental-calculation speed. Proficiency is measured by ranked levels (級(きゅう) and 段(だん)), the same grading system used in martial arts. Advanced students can perform large calculations mentally by visualizing the abacus.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • そろばん: the abacus itself (the physical device) — more common in everyday speech
  • 暗算(あんざん): mental arithmetic — calculation without any tool
general
Added 2026.6.6 13:04
28500/28871_shuzan