会计
kuài jì
The English word accountant is translated into Chinese as 会计 (kuài jì).
会计 refers to one whose profession includes organizing, maintaining and auditing the records of another. It can refer to both the profession of accounting and the person performing the job.
Meaning: one whose profession includes organizing, maintaining and auditing the records of another (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 会计 is composed of 会 (kuài), meaning to calculate or settle and 计 (jì), meaning to count or plan.
Which one should you use?
While 会计 can mean either the profession of accounting or the person, the term 会计师 specifically refers to the professional person.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix 师 (shī) to 会计 (kuài jì) creates the more formal professional title 会计师 (kuài jì shī).
How do you pronounce it?
kuài jì
Did you know?
- The character 计 in 会计 is also the root for the word 'computer' 计算机, which literally translates to a 'calculating machine'.
- The suffix 师 (shī) used in 会计师 is the same one found in words like 'master' or 'teacher', elevating the status of the person.
- In traditional Chinese bookkeeping, the concept of 会计 was historically linked to the use of counting rods and abacuses before the adoption of Western double-entry systems.
Examples in context
- 我是个会计师。I'm an accountant.This sentence is useful for stating your profession using 会计.Tatoeba #10193684 by iiujik, translation #2247916 by CK
- 汤姆是个会计师。Tom is an accountant.This sentence is useful for identifying someone else's profession using 会计.Tatoeba #10193682 by iiujik, translation #1025092 by CK
- 我将来想成为一名会计师。I want to become an accountant in the future.
- 我的朋友是一名注册会计师。My friend is a certified public accountant.
- 他在公司做会计。Tā zài gōngsī zuò kuàijì.He works as an accountant at the company.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their career plans.
- 志强 Zhiqiang志强，你想做什么工作？Zhìqiáng, nǐ xiǎng zuò shénme gōngzuò?Zhiqiang, what job do you want to do?
- 梓涵 Zihan我想当一名会计。Wǒ xiǎng dāng yī míng kuàijì.I want to be an accountant.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那你得学习数学。Nà nǐ děi xuéxí shùxué.Then you need to study math.
- 梓涵 Zihan我知道，我会努力的。Wǒ zhīdào, wǒ huì nǔlì de.I know, I will work hard.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
