Usage of 合计
The word 合计 (héjì) is commonly used to indicate the total sum or aggregate amount of numbers or quantities. It is often used in contexts involving calculations, accounting, or summarizing data.
Common contexts
合计 is frequently used in financial or statistical reports, shopping receipts, and event attendance counts. It implies adding multiple items or figures together to get a final total.
Collocations and patterns
- 合计 + number: to express the total amount (e.g., 合计100元 means "a total of 100 yuan").
- 把...合计一下: a common phrase to ask someone to add up or sum items.
- 合计 + time period + 的 + data/人数/费用: to summarize data or figures over a period.
Nuances
Using 合计 emphasizes the process or result of summing up multiple parts. It is more formal and precise than simply saying 总共 (zǒnggòng), which means "altogether" but without the explicit calculation nuance.
Common confusion
Do not confuse 合计 with 计算 (jìsuàn), which means "to calculate" in a broader sense. 合计 specifically refers to summing or totaling amounts, while 计算 can involve various types of calculations.