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
目論見
もくろみ (mokurami)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "plan" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 予定 and 目論見.
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, 目論見 (もくろみ (mokurami)) maps to "plan, scheme, project, intention" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 通常、具体的な行動を伴う計画や企みを指します。成功を期待するが、結果は不確定なニュアンスも含むことがあります。. 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 "目論見"
彼の会社買収の目論見は失敗に終わった。
His plan to acquire the company ended in failure.
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.". "目論見" represents "plan, scheme, project, intention".