Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "計画する", "案", "図る", "企てる"
All represent the core concept "plan", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
計画する
けいかくする (keikaku suru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
案
あん (an)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
図る
はかる (hakaru)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
企てる
くわだてる (kuwadateru)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "plan" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "計画する", "案", "図る", "企てる" based on context.
- 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.
- 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。.
- 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。.
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 "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 "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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "来年の旅行を計画しています。" (Meaning: "I am planning next year's trip.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "計画する" is correct here because it represents "to plan; to scheme; to design" in the context: "I am planning next year's trip.".