Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Scheme" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "scheme", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
企む
たくらむ (takuramu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
目論む
もくろむ (mokuromu)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "scheme" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 企む and 目論む.
In Japanese, 企む (たくらむ (takuramu)) is typically associated with "to scheme; to plot; to conspire" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often implies devising a secret plan, frequently one that is cunning, mischievous, or even malicious. It can sometimes be neutral, but often carries a negative connotation..
On the other hand, 目論む (もくろむ (mokuromu)) maps to "to scheme, to plot" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "scheme" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "企む"
彼は何か悪いことを企んでいるようだ。
It seems he's plotting something bad.
Bilingual Context for "目論む"
毎日、日本語を練習するために目論む。
Every day, I scheme, to plot to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は何か悪いことを企んでいるようだ。" (Meaning: "It seems he's plotting something bad.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "企む" fits here because it means "to scheme; to plot; to conspire" in the context of: "It seems he's plotting something bad.". "目論む" represents "to scheme, to plot".