Synonym Boundary: "予定", "企画", "案", "目論む", "構想"

When expressing "plan" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "予定", "企画", "案", "目論む", "構想" based on context.

• 予定 (よてい (yotei) - Level: N4): Maps to "plan, schedule, arrangement" and is used when Often used to talk about future plans or a set schedule. Can be used with ~がある.
• 企画 (きかく (kikaku) - Level: N3): Maps to "plan, project, planning (noun/verb)" and is used when 新しい物事を計画し、実現させるための案を立てること。ビジネスやイベントなどでよく使われます。To create a plan or proposal for a new endeavor to be realized. Often used in business or for events..
• 案 (あん (an) - Level: N3): Maps to "plan, idea, proposal, draft" and is used when Commonly used when discussing suggestions, drafts, or blueprints. Can also refer to a legislative bill or a scheme..
• 目論む (もくろむ (mokuromu) - Level: N2): Maps to "to plan, to scheme, to contemplate (often with ambition or a slightly negative/secretive nuance)" and is used when 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..
• 構想 (こうそう (kōsō) - Level: N2): Maps to "plan; scheme; idea; conception (especially for a large project)" and is used when Usually refers to a comprehensive and often grand design or plan for a project, work, or idea. It implies a detailed mental framework before execution. 新しいプロジェクトや作品などについて、全体的な計画や考えを練る際に使われます。.

Mixing these up can easily lead to unnatural translations. Refer to the bilingual context cards below to master the boundaries!