▎算是, suànshì, (V), can be considered...

 

Function 算是 is a verb that introduces an estimate after comparing the subject with other (comparable) things.

1 教書算是穩定的工作。

Jiāoshū suànshì wěndìng de gōngzuò.

Teaching is considered a stable job.

2 這裡的櫻花算是多的，所以來玩的人不少。

Zhèlǐ de yīnghuā suànshì duō de, suǒyǐ lái wán de rén bù shǎo.

You could say that there are a lot of cherry blossoms here, so many people have come to visit.

3 最近氣溫都很低，而且每天下雨。今天雨停了，天氣算是不錯的。

Zuìjìn qìwēn dōu hěn dī, érqiě měi tiān xiàyǔ. Jīntiān yǔ tíng le, tiānqì suànshì búcuò de.

It has been cold and rainy lately, but today the rain stopped so the weather is nice again.

4 台北的建築每一棟都差不多，101 大樓算是有特色的。

Táiběi de jiànzhú měi yí dòng dōu chàbùduō,101 dàlóu suànshì yǒu tèsè de.

The buildings in Taipei all look about the same. Taipei 101 is probably more distinctive.

5 國際關係系算是熱門的科系嗎？

Guójì guānxi xì suànshì rèmén de kēxì ma?

Would the department of international relations be considered a popular department?

 

Usage The negative form of 算是 is 不算. So, it is fine to say 休學手續不算麻煩Xiūxué shǒuxù bú suàn máfán ‘The application process for taking leave of absence isn’t really a hassle’, but ＊休學手續算是不麻煩 ＊Xiūxué shǒuxù suànshì bù máfán is not acceptable.

1 跟鄉下比起來，這裡的蚊蟲不算多。

Gēn xiāngxià bǐqǐlái, zhèlǐ de wénchóng bú suàn duō.

Compared to the countryside there are not that many bugs here.

2 他只有一點發燒，感冒不算嚴重。

Tā zhǐyǒu yìdiǎn fāshāo, gǎnmào bú suàn yánzhòng.

He only has a low fever, I wouldn’t say it is serious.

3 這家店的餃子不算好吃。我帶你去別家吃。

Zhè jiā diàn de jiǎozi bú suàn hǎochī. Wǒ dài nǐ qù biéjiā chī.

I wouldn’t say that the dumplings in this shop are good. I'll take you to another shop to eat.