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Expressing "scheming" with 算计 (suànji)
Structure
Subject + 算计 + Object
Explanation
The verb 算计 (suànji) means "to scheme against," "to plot," or "to calculate" and often carries a negative connotation of manipulating or taking advantage of someone. It can also mean to plan or reckon in a neutral sense, but in storytelling it typically implies cunning or deception. Context determines whether the meaning is negative or neutral.
Examples
他总是在背后算计别人，大家都不愿意跟他合作。
Tā zǒngshì zài bèihòu suànjì biérén, dàjiā dōu bù yuànyì gēn tā hézuò.
He's always scheming against others behind their backs, so nobody wants to work with him.
你别太天真了，她一直在算计你呢。
Nǐ bié tài tiānzhēn le, tā yīzhí zài suànjì nǐ ne.
Don't be so naive — she's been scheming against you all along.
我算计了一下，这个月的开销大概要五千块。
Wǒ suànjì le yīxià, zhège yuè de kāixiāo dàgài yào wǔqiān kuài.
I did a rough calculation, and this month's expenses will be about five thousand yuan.