How to say "Plan" in Japanese

When translating "plan" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 目論む and 企てる. In Japanese, 目論む (もくろむ (mokuromu)) is typically associated with "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.. On the other hand, 企てる (くわだてる (kuwadateru)) maps to "to plan, to scheme, to plot (often implies something ambitious, potentially negative or secret)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 将来何かを実行しようと計画するという意味ですが、特に大規模なことや、人にはあまり知られたくないこと、あるいは少し悪だくみのようなニュアンスで使われることがあります。. A literal translation of "plan" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!