Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Plan" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "plan", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
計画
けいかく (keikaku)
N4 / 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 計画 and 企てる.
In Japanese, 計画 (けいかく (keikaku)) is typically associated with "plan, project, schedule" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can be a noun.
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 "計画"
来週の旅行の計画を立てましょう。
Let's make a plan for next week's trip.
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: "来週の旅行の ＿＿＿ を立てましょう。" (Meaning: "Let's make a plan for next week's trip.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "計画" fits here because it means "plan, project, schedule" in the context of: "Let's make a plan for next week's trip.". "企てる" represents "to plan, to scheme, to plot (often implies something ambitious, potentially negative or secret)".