計画
keikaku[ke̞ːka̠kɯ̟]
In Japanese, the word for planning is 計画 (keikaku).
計画 refers to the act of formulating a course of action or the plan itself. While 計画する (keikaku suru) is the standard way to say 'to plan', you might use 企画する (kikaku suru) specifically when the context involves planning a project or 策定する (sakutei suru) when you mean to formally establish a plan.
Meaning: act of formulating of a course of action (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 計画 focuses on the specific plan or the process of planning, 予定 refers to a scheduled event or a set appointment.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can modify the noun to change its function. Additionally, you can attach the suffix 中 (chū) to the word to form 計画中, which indicates that something is currently 'under planning' or 'in progress'.
How do you pronounce it?
keikaku
Did you know?
- In Japanese business, a formal 計画 is often the final step of nemawashi, a process of quietly gathering consensus among stakeholders before the plan is ever officially announced.
- The word 企画 is used for planning when the goal is to 'create' something new, like a product or a party, whereas 計画 is for 'organizing' the steps to reach a goal.
- The character 画 used in 計画 is actually a simplified version of the older character 劃, which originally meant to divide or delineate with a tool.
Examples in context
- トムとボストンに行く計画をしてるの？Are you planning to go to Boston with Tom?This sentence shows how to use 計画 to ask about planning a trip.Tatoeba #8810218 by bunbuku, translation #6069180 by CK
- 新しいコンピューターを買う計画を立ててるの？Are you planning on buying a new computer?This sentence uses 計画 to ask about planning a purchase.Tatoeba #8804541 by bunbuku, translation #2640688 by CK
- わが社は新しい化学工場をロシアに建設することを計画している。Our company is planning to build a new chemical plant in Russia.This sentence demonstrates using 計画 in a formal business context regarding construction.Tatoeba #192004 by KK_kaku_, translation #29166 by CK
- このプロジェクトの 計画 について報告します。I will report on the planning of this project.
- 明日の 予定 を教えてもらえる？Can you tell me about tomorrow's plan?
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their weekend travel ideas at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki週末の旅行の計画はできた？Shuumatsu no ryokou no keikaku wa dekita?Have you made a plan for the weekend trip?
- 蓮 Renまだ計画しているところだよ。Mada keikaku shite iru tokoro da yo.I am still in the middle of planning it.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮君の計画が知りたいな。Ren-kun no keikaku ga shiritai na.I want to know your plan, Ren.
- 蓮 Ren明日には完成させるよ。Ashita ni wa kansei saseru yo.I will finish it by tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 計画, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 計画, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
