Synonym Boundary: "予定", "図る", "目論む", "企てる"

When expressing "plan" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "予定", "図る", "目論む", "企てる" 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.
• 図る (はかる (hakaru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to plan, to attempt, to devise, to seek, to aim for (e.g., efficiency, success)" and is used when Used for planning or aiming to achieve something, often positive outcomes like efficiency, improvement, or success. Also, implies making an effort or devising a scheme. 効率化、改善、成功など、何かを達成するために計画したり、目標としたり、工夫したりする際に使われます。.
• 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..
• 企てる (くわだてる (kuwadateru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to plan, to scheme, to plot (often implies something ambitious, potentially negative or secret)" and is used when 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。.

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