Math in Chinese: Easy Math Words for Kids and Beginners

We use math every day. We count toys, share snacks, compare numbers and solve simple problems. Now you can do some of that in Chinese too!

Let’s have a look at the basic math words in Chinese, with pinyin and easy examples. You don’t need to learn everything at once. Start with 加, 减, 乘, 除 and 等于, then add more words as you need them.

First, four useful words:

New to Chinese numbers? Learn 1–10 first with Chinese Numbers for Kids. Then come back here.

Plus, Minus, Times and Divide in Chinese

These five words are all you need to say a simple sum.

In a simple equation, say the first number, the math word, the second number, then 等于 and the answer. Don’t overthink it!

Let’s try some sums:

How do you ask a math question in Chinese?

To ask for the answer, use 几 (jǐ). Here it means “how many” or “what number”. Put 几 where the answer should go.

Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division

The words above help you say a sum. The four kinds of math have their own names in Chinese:

Greater Than, Less Than, Odd, Even and Half

Greater than and less than

大 means “big” and 小 means “small”. That makes 大于 and 小于 easy to remember.

Odd and even numbers

奇数 are numbers like 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. 偶数 are numbers like 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10.

Half

一半 (yíbàn) means “half”. It is a word kids use a lot, for pizza, cookies and more.

Practice: Say It in Chinese

Read each one out loud. For questions 1–4, say the answer in Chinese. For number 5, choose 大于 or 小于. A few minutes a day works better than one long session. Mistakes are fine!

1. 二加三等于几？ Èr jiā sān děngyú jǐ?
2. 九减四等于几？ Jiǔ jiǎn sì děngyú jǐ?
3. 二乘以五等于几？ Èr chéngyǐ wǔ děngyú jǐ?
4. 十二除以三等于几？ Shí’èr chúyǐ sān děngyú jǐ?
5. 八___六。Choose 大于 or 小于.

Answers

1. 五 (wǔ). 二加三等于五。Èr jiā sān děngyú wǔ.
2. 五 (wǔ). 九减四等于五。Jiǔ jiǎn sì děngyú wǔ.
3. 十 (shí). 二乘以五等于十。Èr chéngyǐ wǔ děngyú shí.
4. 四 (sì). 十二除以三等于四。Shí’èr chúyǐ sān děngyú sì.
5. 大于 (dàyú). 八大于六。Bā dàyú liù.

Fun Ways to Practice with Kids

Short games help the words stick.

• Dice sums. Roll two dice. Add the numbers and say the answer in Chinese: 三加五等于八。Take turns and keep score.
• Math word cards. Make cards for 加, 减, 乘以, 除以 and 等于. Pick number cards and a math card, then make and say an equation.
• Odd and even clap. Count from 1 to 10 in Chinese. Clap when you say a 奇数 and stomp when you say an 偶数.

What to Learn Next

Good numbers make good math. If your child is still learning to count, these will help:

• Chinese Numbers for Kids: 1–100
• Chinese Number Booklet for everything about Chinese numbers in one place
• Numbers 1–10 in Chinese Workbook for Kids for writing and counting practice

Math is one of many school subjects you can learn in Chinese. See our guide to School Subjects in Chinese.

A Chinese Multiplication Chant for Kids

In Chinese, multiplication facts are often practiced with a short, rhythmic chant called 乘法口诀 (chéngfǎ kǒujué). It sounds like a song:

The word 得 (dé) connects the calculation to its answer. Try saying it aloud a few times. The rhythm can help you remember the multiplication facts.

Chinese Math Words: Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

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