Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "予定", "計画", "案", "目論む"
All represent the core concept "plan", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
予定
よてい (yotei)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
計画
けいかく (keikaku)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
案
あん (an)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
目論む
もくろむ (mokuromu)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "plan" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "予定", "計画", "案", "目論む" 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.
- 計画 (けいかく (keikaku) - Level: N4): Maps to "plan, project, schedule" and is used when Can be a noun.
- 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..
Context for "予定"
今週末は旅行の予定があります。
I have travel plans for this weekend.
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.
Context for "案"
新しい企画の案を出す。
I will propose a new project plan.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今週末は旅行の ＿＿＿ があります。" (Meaning: "I have travel plans for this weekend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "予定" is correct here because it represents "plan, schedule, arrangement" in the context: "I have travel plans for this weekend.".