Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "計画", "目論む", "企てる", "構想"
All represent the core concept "plan", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
計画
けいかく (keikaku)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
目論む
もくろむ (mokuromu)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
企てる
くわだてる (kuwadateru)
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 "計画", "目論む", "企てる", "構想" based on context.
- 計画 (けいかく (keikaku) - Level: N4): Maps to "plan, project, schedule" and is used when Can be a noun.
- 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。.
- 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 "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 "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 "企てる"
彼は新しい事業の立ち上げを企てている。
He is planning to launch a new business.
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: "来週の旅行の ＿＿＿ を立てましょう。" (Meaning: "Let's make a plan for next week's trip.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "計画" is correct here because it represents "plan, project, schedule" in the context: "Let's make a plan for next week's trip.".