Suan-Shu
/ˈswɑːn ˈʃuː/noun
A Chinese term meaning mathematical calculation or arithmetic, especially in historical discussions of Chinese mathematics.
Did you know?Suan-shu is associated with the mathematical tradition represented by the ancient Chinese text The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, which used counting rods for calculation.
Etymological Timeline
Old Chinese
Old Chinese
算術
“A method or art of calculation; 算 referred to reckoning, while 術 meant method or technique.”
Han Dynasty
Classical Chinese
算術
“Mathematical calculation and computational technique, including procedures using counting rods.”
Middle Chinese
Middle Chinese
算術
“The established written expression for arithmetic or calculation methods.”
19th–20th Century
Wade–Giles/English scholarship
suan-shu
“A romanized form used by English-language scholars discussing Chinese mathematics.”
Modern Chinese
Mandarin
suànshù
“Arithmetic, mathematics, or calculation.”