Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Plan" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "plan", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
目論見
もくろみ (mokurami)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
企てる
くわだてる (kuwadateru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "plan" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 目論見 and 企てる.
In Japanese, 目論見 (もくろみ (mokurami)) is typically associated with "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。.
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!
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.
Bilingual Context for "企てる"
彼は新しい事業の立ち上げを企てている。
He is planning to launch a new business.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の会社買収の ＿＿＿ は失敗に終わった。" (Meaning: "His plan to acquire the company ended in failure.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "目論見" fits here because it means "plan, scheme, project, intention" in the context of: "His plan to acquire the company ended in failure.". "企てる" represents "to plan, to scheme, to plot (often implies something ambitious, potentially negative or secret)".