合計

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 合計(ごうけい) is the total obtained by adding numbers or amounts.
• Basic usage: It is used for combined prices or a headcount added across several days.
  • 合計七百円 means a total of 700 yen.
  • 合計で千人を超えた means the total exceeded one thousand people.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Total and average
  • 合計 is the sum of the values; 平均(へいきん) usually means that sum divided by the number of values.
• The total and the calculation
  • 合計する describes adding values to calculate a total.