Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "計画", "計画する", "図る", "目論む"
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
計画する
けいかくする (keikaku suru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
図る
はかる (hakaru)
N2 / 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 "計画", "計画する", "図る", "目論む" 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.
- 計画する (けいかくする (keikaku suru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to plan; to scheme; to design" and is used when It's a verb meaning 'to plan', 'to schedule', or 'to design'. Often used for future actions, projects, or events. The noun form is 計画.
- 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..
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 "計画する"
来年の旅行を計画しています。
I am planning next year's trip.
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.
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.".