TSUMUGU · TOCFL 1 (est.) · 字
算
ㄙㄨㄢˋ · suàn
verb — to count, calculate; to reckon, plan
字源 FORM — what the parts do
具義an implement worked with two handsnow stylized to 目 over 廾 — the counting board and the hands below
Bamboo counting rods (竹) over an implement worked in both hands (具) — laying out the tally and reckoning it. The lower 具 has stylized into 目 above 廾, two hands no longer obvious. From the reckoning: to count, calculate (計算), then to reckon ahead, to plan (打算), then "let it go" (算了).
故事 STORY — a scene to remember it by
竹籌（竹）一根根擺上算盤，兩手（具）撥來撥去——數就算清了。
Bamboo rods (竹) laid out on the board, two hands (具) sliding them along — and the count comes clear.
字源記憶法
意 · Meanings
(本義)計算、算數— to count, calculate常用
→打算、盤算— to reckon ahead, plan
⇒算了— to let it go, call it settled
(本義) original meaning · → ⇒ each arrow = one more step of extension
關 · Related
筭suànthe variant graph — 筭 sets the same bamboo over 弄; 算 keeps 目 above the two hands 廾蒜suànthe same sound (說文 讀若) — a plant 艸 on top, garlic