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
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 計画 and 目論む.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "目論む" represents "to plan, to scheme, to contemplate (often with ambition or a slightly negative/secretive nuance)".