計画する
keikaku suru
The Japanese phrase for 'to plan' is 計画する (keikaku suru).
The verb 計画する is used to describe deciding on a sequence of actions to achieve a specific goal. A very common way to express the idea of 'making' or 'drawing up' a plan is to use the phrase 計画を立てる, which utilizes the verb meaning 'to stand/set up'.
Which one should you use?
While 計画する focuses on the detailed design or strategy of a plan, 予定する is used more for scheduling an event or a time slot. If you want to express the idea of considering or thinking about a schedule in an informal way, you can use the phrase 予定を考える. For planning projects or business-related activities specifically, the formal verb 企画する is used.
How do you pronounce it?
keikaku suru
Did you know?
- If you tell a Japanese person you 'planned' a casual meeting using the word 計画, it might sound as though you are executing a complex, high-stakes operation or even a conspiracy.
- The kanji character 計 in 計画 means 'to measure' or 'to count', implying that planning is the act of measuring out one's future actions.
- In the Japanese entertainment industry, the word for 'planning' 企画 is used as a job title to describe the person who conceives the entire creative concept for a show, rather than just the logistics.
Examples in context
- 旅行を計画しますI will plan the trip.
- 新製品のローンチを企画しますI will plan the launch of the new product.
- 週末の計画は？What are the plans for the weekend?
- 映画のプランを立てよう！Let's make a plan for the movie!
- 来週の予定を考えてみようLet's think about the plans for next week.
- 夏休みの旅行を計画する。Natsuyasumi no ryoko o keikaku suru.To plan a summer vacation trip.
Example conversation
Hina and Ren are talking about their upcoming winter break.
- 陽葵 Himari冬休みに何をすることを計画する？Fuyuyasumi ni nani o suru koto o keikaku suru?What are you planning to do during winter break?
- 蓮 Ren北海道に行くことを計画しているよ。Hokkaido ni iku koto o keikaku shite iru yo.I'm planning to go to Hokkaido.
- 陽葵 Himariいいなあ。私も一緒に行きたい！Ii naa. Watashi mo issho ni ikitai!That sounds great. I want to go too!
- 蓮 Renいいよ。一緒に計画しよう。Ii yo. Issho ni keikaku shiyou.Sure. Let's plan it together.
