Translation and Meaning of: 合計 - goukei

The Japanese word 合計[ごうけい] is a common term in everyday life in Japan, especially in contexts involving numbers and calculations. If you have ever studied Japanese or come into with Japanese culture, you have probably encountered this expression. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in daily life. Additionally, we will provide some tips for memorizing it and curiosities about its usage in the Japanese language.

If you are learning Japanese, understanding words like 合計 is essential for practical situations, such as shopping, calculating expenses, or even in work environments. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and precise explanations to aid in your learning. Let's dive into the details of this very useful word!

Meaning and usage of 合計 [ごうけい]

合計[ごうけい] means "total" or "sum." It is used when we want to express the ing of values, quantities, or even ideas. For example, in a supermarket, you might see the phrase 合計金額[ごうけいきんがく], which refers to the total amount of the purchase. This word often appears in receipts, spreadsheets, and everyday conversations.

In addition to the financial context, 合計 can also be used in broader situations. If someone asks how many hours you studied in the week, the answer could be 合計10時間[ごうけいじゅうじかん] (a total of 10 hours). The flexibility of this word makes it indispensable for those who want to communicate accurately in Japanese.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 合計 is composed of two kanji: 合, which means "to " or "to combine," and 計, which refers to "to measure" or "to calculate." Together, they convey the idea of summing or gathering quantities. This combination is not random; it well reflects the meaning of the word, as the act of totaling involves precisely aggregating values.

It is worth noting that the kanji 計 also appears in other words related to calculations, such as 計算 [けいさん] (calculation) and 時計 [とけい] (clock). Recognizing these patterns can make vocabulary memorization easier, especially for those just starting to learn Japanese.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to 合計 is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, when shopping online, notice if the website shows the total amount as 合計. Another tip is to create simple sentences, such as 合計はいくらですか？[ごうけい は いくら です か？] (What is the total?), to practice its use in real conversations.

Additionally, pay attention to the context in which the word appears. In formal settings, such as work reports, 合計 is widely used, while in informal conversations, Japanese people may use shorter expressions, like 全部で [ぜんぶで] (in total). Knowing when and how to properly use 合計 demonstrates proficiency in the language and avoids misunderstandings.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 総計 (Soukei) - Accumulated total
• 総額 (Sougaku) - Total financial amount
• 総和 (Souwa) - Total sum of elements
• 総量 (Soulou) - Total quantity (in of volume or mass)