Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Plan" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "plan", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
企画
きかく (kikaku)
N3 / 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 企画 and 目論む.
In Japanese, 企画 (きかく (kikaku)) is typically associated with "plan, project, planning (noun/verb)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 新しい物事を計画し、実現させるための案を立てること。ビジネスやイベントなどでよく使われます。To create a plan or proposal for a new endeavor to be realized. Often used in business or for events..
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 "企画"
新しいイベントを企画する。
To plan a new event.
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: "新しいイベントを ＿＿＿ する。" (Meaning: "To plan a new event.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "企画" fits here because it means "plan, project, planning (noun/verb)" in the context of: "To plan a new event.". "目論む" represents "to plan, to scheme, to contemplate (often with ambition or a slightly negative/secretive nuance)".