Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "案", "図る", "目論む", "構想"
All represent the core concept "plan", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
案
あん (an)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
図る
はかる (hakaru)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
目論む
もくろむ (mokuromu)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
構想
こうそう (kōsō)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "plan" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "案", "図る", "目論む", "構想" based on context.
- 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..
- 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..
- 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。.
Context for "案"
新しい企画の案を出す。
I will propose a new project plan.
Context for "図る"
会社はコスト削減を図るため、新しいシステムを導入した。
The company introduced a new system to aim for cost reduction.
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.
Context for "構想"
新しい都市開発の構想が発表された。
A plan for new urban development was announced.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "新しい企画の ＿＿＿ を出す。" (Meaning: "I will propose a new project plan.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "案" is correct here because it represents "plan, idea, proposal, draft" in the context: "I will propose a new project plan.".