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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Plan" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "plan", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

予定

よてい (yotei)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

目論む

もくろむ (mokuromu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "plan" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 予定 and 目論む. In Japanese, 予定 (よてい (yotei)) is typically associated with "plan, schedule, arrangement" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used to talk about future plans or a set schedule. Can be used with ~がある. On the other hand, 目論む (もくろむ (mokuromu)) maps to "to plan, to scheme, to contemplate (often with ambition or a slightly negative/secretive nuance)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies a grand, ambitious, or sometimes secretive plan. It can carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting scheming or plotting, but is also used for neutral ambitious plans.. A literal translation of "plan" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "予定"
今週末は旅行の予定があります。
I have travel plans for this weekend.
Bilingual Context for "目論む"
彼は新しい事業を目論んでいる。
He is planning a new business venture.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "今週末は旅行の ___ があります。" (Meaning: "I have travel plans for this weekend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "予定" fits here because it means "plan, schedule, arrangement" in the context of: "I have travel plans for this weekend.". "目論む" represents "to plan, to scheme, to contemplate (often with ambition or a slightly negative/secretive nuance)".

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