Translation guide
The English word "plan" covers a wide range of intentions, from casual ideas to formal strategies. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you mean a concrete schedule, a project, a scheme, an intention, or a design. This guide helps you choose the right word or phrase for each situation.
Talking about what you intend to do at a specific time, like daily plans, appointments, or travel itineraries.
The most common word for a schedule or arrangement. It implies something fixed or decided.
What are your plans for tomorrow?
Loanword from English, used for a timetable or schedule, often in business or formal contexts.
Expresses intention or plan to do something. More about personal resolve than a fixed schedule.
I plan to get up early tomorrow.
A detailed proposal for achieving something, like a business plan, a study plan, or a strategic plan.
A secret plan to do something, often something bad or clever.
A scheme or plot, often with a negative connotation.
What you have in mind to do; a mental plan.
Intention. Often used in the phrase 〜つもりだ (I plan to...).
A drawing or diagram showing how something will be made, like a floor plan or a plan of a building.
The action of making a plan.
To plan, to make a plan. The most direct verb form.
予定 is for schedules and appointments (what you will do and when). 計画 is for projects and strategies (how you will achieve something). プラン is a casual loanword often used for proposals or travel plans, similar to 計画 but lighter.
Tomorrow's schedule is free.
Make travel plans.
Check today's schedule.
The standard word for a plan or project. Used for anything from a simple plan to a large-scale project.
They announced a new business plan.
It's going according to plan.
Loanword from English, often used in marketing or casual contexts for a proposal or scheme.
Discuss travel plans.
A plan or project, especially in business, media, or events. Emphasizes the planning and proposal aspect.
Come up with a plan for a new TV show.
A policy, guideline, or basic plan. Used for overarching directions rather than detailed steps.
Follow the company's plan/policy.
I saw through his plan/scheme.
A stratagem or trick; a clever plan to deceive or gain advantage.
We fell into the enemy's plan/trap.
A conspiracy or sinister plot.
Believe in a conspiracy theory (a secret plan).
行くつもりはなかった。
I had no plan to go.
Thought, idea, or plan. More general and can refer to an opinion or intention.
I have a good plan/idea.
I think I will...; expresses a tentative plan or intention.
I plan to study abroad next year.
A blueprint or design drawing, especially for architecture or engineering.
Draw up the plans for a house.
A plan, drawing, or diagram, often technical.
Look at the machine's plans.
Also used for floor plans or layouts, e.g., 間取りプラン (floor plan).
Choose a floor plan.
I'm planning a trip.
To plan or propose (an event, project).
Plan an event.
To schedule or plan something for a specific time.
We plan to have the meeting next week.
To have the intention of doing something; to be planning to.
He plans to return to his country next year.
事業計画を立てる。
Make a business plan.
What's your plan for the weekend?
While プラン is understood, it can sound like marketing jargon or overly casual in formal writing. Stick to 計画 or 予定 in serious contexts.
In casual conversation, Japanese often omits the word for 'plan' entirely, using context and time expressions instead. For example, 'What's the plan for tomorrow?' can simply be '明日は？' (What about tomorrow?).
The plan failed.
I plan to go to Japan next year.