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B1 verb Neutral #4,000 most common 3 min read

企画する

kikaku suru /kikakɯsɯɾɯ/
Practice it

Overview

The Japanese verb '企画する' (kikaku suru) is a highly versatile and common term that encapsulates the concepts of 'to plan,' 'to propose a project,' 'to organize,' and 'to formulate a scheme.' It's a compound verb formed from the noun '企画' (kikaku), meaning 'plan,' 'project,' or 'proposal,' and the verb 'する' (suru), meaning 'to do' or 'to make.'

Nuances and Usage:

  1. 1To Plan/To Formulate a Plan: This is arguably the most direct translation. It implies the process of thinking through steps, setting objectives, and outlining actions to achieve a specific goal. For instance, '新しいイベントを企画する' (atarashii ibento o kikaku suru) means 'to plan a new event.' It suggests a more involved and strategic process than simply '考える' (kangaeru - to think).
  1. 1To Propose a Project: When used in a business or organizational context, '企画する' often refers to the act of developing and presenting a project idea. This includes not just the initial brainstorming but also the creation of a detailed proposal. For example, '新商品の企画を提出する' (shinshouhin no kikaku o teishutsu suru) means 'to submit a new product proposal.' Here, '企画' functions as both the act of proposing and the proposal itself.
  1. 1To Organize/To Coordinate: While not a direct translation, '企画する' can sometimes carry a sense of organizing or coordinating an event or activity. This is because planning often involves arranging various elements. For instance, '旅行を企画する' (ryokou o kikaku suru) can mean 'to plan a trip' or 'to organize a trip.'
  1. 1Strategic Connotation: '企画する' often carries a more strategic and deliberate connotation than simpler verbs like '計画する' (keikaku suru - to plan), which can be used for more mundane or personal plans. '企画する' usually implies a larger scale, a more formal context, or a creative and innovative approach.

Grammar and Conjugation:

As a 'suru' verb, its conjugation is straightforward:

  • Present/Future (Dictionary Form): 企画する (kikaku suru)
  • Present Progressive: 企画している (kikaku shite iru - currently planning)
  • Past: 企画した (kikaku shita - planned)
  • Negative: 企画しない (kikaku shinai - do not plan)
  • Te-form: 企画して (kikaku shite - planning and...)
  • Volitional: 企画しよう (kikaku shiyou - let's plan)

Examples:

  • 会社で新しいプロジェクトを企画しています。(Kaisha de atarashii purojekuto o kikaku shite imasu.) - I am planning a new project at the company.
  • 彼はユニークなイベントを企画するのが得意です。(Kare wa unīku na ibento o kikaku suru no ga tokui desu.) - He is good at planning unique events.
  • 私たちは来年のキャンペーンを企画中です。(Watashitachi wa rainen no kyanpēn o kikaku-chuu desu.) - We are currently planning next year's campaign.
  • この企画書はよく練られている。(Kono kikakusho wa yoku nerarete iru.) - This proposal (plan document) is well thought out.

Understanding '企画する' is crucial for anyone engaging in business, marketing, event management, or any field requiring strategic thinking and project development in a Japanese context.

Examples

1

新製品の企画をする。

Business

To plan a new product.

2

イベントを企画する。

General

To plan an event.

3

彼はそのプロジェクトを企画した。

Business

He proposed that project.

4

夏の旅行を企画している。

Daily life

I'm planning a summer trip.

5

彼女は新しい広告キャンペーンを企画した。

Marketing

She devised a new advertising campaign.

Common Collocations

新規事業を企画する
イベントを企画する
商品を企画する
企画を立てる

Often Confused With

企画する vs 計画する
While both mean 'to plan,' 企画する (kikaku suru) often implies a more creative and comprehensive proposal or project conceptualization, often for a new venture, event, or product. 計画する (keikaku suru) is a more general term for planning, which can apply to anything from daily schedules to long-term strategies, and tends to focus more on the steps and logistics to achieve a goal rather than the initial concept or proposal itself.
企画する vs 立案する
Both can mean 'to draft a plan,' but 企画する (kikaku suru) emphasizes the conceptualization and development of the idea or project itself, often with an element of originality or innovation. 立案する (ritsuan suru) focuses more on the formal drafting and formulation of a plan, policy, or proposal, suggesting a more structured and official process of putting details into writing.
企画する vs 案出する
企画する (kikaku suru) means 'to plan' or 'to propose a project,' focusing on the overall development and presentation of an idea. 案出する (anshutsu suru) specifically means 'to devise' or 'to invent (a plan/idea),' highlighting the act of coming up with the idea or solution itself, often implying a creative or intellectual effort in its conception. The latter emphasizes the origin of the idea, while the former focuses on its development and presentation.
企画する vs 構想する
構想する (kousou suru) means 'to conceive a plan' or 'to form a concept,' emphasizing the mental process of envisioning and forming a broad idea or scheme. 企画する (kikaku suru) implies not just the conception but also the more active process of developing, detailing, and often proposing that idea as a concrete project or plan. 構想する is more about the initial, often abstract, mental blueprint, while 企画する is about bringing that blueprint closer to reality.

Grammar Patterns

Noun を 企画する (kikaku suru): To plan/propose a noun. ～ように企画する (youni kikaku suru): To plan so that... ～を企画して、～をする (o kikaku shite, o suru): To plan/propose ~ and then do ~.

How to Use It

Usage Notes

'企画する' is a very common verb used in various contexts, particularly in business, marketing, and event planning. It's often used when talking about creating a new project, developing a strategy, or organizing an event. For example, you might hear or say: '新しいプロジェクトを企画する' (Atarashii purojekuto o kikaku suru - To plan a new project), 'イベントを企画する' (Ivento o kikaku suru - To organize an event), or 'マーケティング戦略を企画する' (Māketingu senryaku o kikaku suru - To plan a marketing strategy). The noun form, '企画' (kikaku), is also widely used, often referring to a 'plan,' 'project,' or 'proposal' itself. For instance, 'この企画は面白い' (Kono kikaku wa omoshiroi - This plan/project is interesting) or '企画書を提出する' (Kikakusho o teishutsu suru - To submit a proposal). The verb is generally used in formal or semi-formal settings due to its association with professional and structured activities.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is confusing 企画する (kikaku suru) with 計画する (keikaku suru). While both involve planning, 企画する often carries a stronger nuance of 'proposing a new project' or 'devising a creative scheme.' It implies innovation and initiation, like planning a new marketing campaign or developing a new product. 計画する, on the other hand, is a more general term for planning or scheduling, such as planning a trip or a meeting. Another mistake is using 企画する when a simpler verb like '考える' (kangaeru - to think/consider) might be more appropriate, especially if the idea is still very nascent and not yet a structured proposal.

Tips

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Usage Tip

'企画する' (kikaku suru) is a versatile verb commonly used in business and professional contexts. It means 'to plan,' 'to organize,' 'to scheme,' or 'to propose a project.' It emphasizes the act of conceiving and outlining an idea or project before its execution. It can be used for a wide range of plans, from marketing strategies and event planning to product development.
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Common Mistakes and Nuances

While '企画する' can be translated as 'to plan,' it often carries a stronger connotation of 'to propose' or 'to originate a project' than simpler verbs like '計画する' (keikaku suru), which is more general for 'to plan' or 'to schedule.' Avoid using '企画する' for routine personal plans like 'planning to go shopping.' It's best reserved for more formal or significant undertakings. Also, remember that it's a suru-verb, meaning it combines with a noun to form a verb phrase (e.g., 'イベントを企画する' - to plan an event).
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Contextual Examples

1. **新製品を企画する (shin-seihin o kikaku suru):** To plan/develop a new product. (Here, it implies conceiving the idea and outlining its features.) 2. **イベントを企画する (ibento o kikaku suru):** To plan an event. (This refers to organizing the entire event from concept to execution.) 3. **マーケティング戦略を企画する (māketingu senryaku o kikaku suru):** To plan a marketing strategy. (This involves formulating the approach and steps for marketing.) 4. **夏のキャンペーンを企画する (natsu no kyanpēn o kikaku suru):** To plan a summer campaign. (Focuses on the creation and organization of the campaign.)

Word Origin

The word 企画 (kikaku) is a Sino-Japanese word, combining 企 (ki), meaning 'to scheme, to plan, to undertake', and 画 (kaku), meaning 'a brush-stroke, a picture, to draw, to design, to plan'. Both kanji individually carry meanings related to planning and design. The combination of these two characters reinforces the idea of conceptualizing and outlining a plan or project. The concept of 'kikaku' emerged and became more widely used with the rise of modern business and corporate structures in Japan, particularly from the Meiji era onwards, as there was a growing need for terms to describe organized planning, project development, and strategy formulation within companies and organizations. Before the widespread adoption of this term, similar concepts might have been expressed through more general terms like 'keikaku' (計画), which also means plan, but 'kikaku' specifically emphasizes the act of conceiving and initiating a project or proposal. The 'suru' (する) verb ending makes it an action verb, literally meaning 'to do planning' or 'to make a plan'. Its usage reflects a dynamic process of ideation and formulation, crucial in fields ranging from business and marketing to event management and product development. Over time, 'kikaku suru' has become a standard and essential term in Japanese business and daily life for activities involving the creation and proposal of new ideas or initiatives.

Cultural Context

The Japanese word '企画する' (kikaku suru) is a versatile verb meaning 'to plan,' 'to propose a project,' or 'to organize.' In Japanese business culture, meticulous planning and proposing well-thought-out projects are highly valued. The process often involves extensive research, consensus-building among team members, and presenting a detailed proposal (企画書 - kishakusho) to superiors for approval. This emphasis on thorough preparation reflects a cultural preference for avoiding potential problems and ensuring smooth execution. '企画する' can also extend to event planning, marketing campaigns, or even personal endeavors, always implying a structured and intentional approach. The ability to effectively '企画する' is often seen as a key skill for career advancement in Japan.

Memory Tip

Visualize a 'kikaku' (plan) as a detailed blueprint for a new building. 'Ki' (企) looks a bit like a building's framework, and 'kaku' (画) is like drawing or sketching the plan. So, you're framing and drawing out your ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions
'企画する' (kikaku suru) is a Japanese verb that means 'to plan,' 'to propose a project,' 'to scheme,' or 'to arrange.' It encompasses the act of conceiving an idea, developing a plan, and presenting it, often in a business or project context. It implies a strategic and organized approach to bringing something into existence, whether it's an event, a product, or a new initiative. The verb can be used in various situations, from planning a small gathering to proposing a large-scale corporate endeavor.
Here are a few examples of how '企画する' can be used in a sentence: 1. 新しいイベントを企画する。(Atarashii ibento o kikaku suru.) - To plan a new event. 2. 彼は新しいプロジェクトを企画している。(Kare wa atarashii purojekuto o kikaku shite iru.) - He is planning a new project. 3. 会社は来年のキャンペーンを企画中です。(Kaisha wa rainen no kyanpeen o kikaku-chuu desu.) - The company is in the middle of planning next year's campaign. 4. 旅行の計画を企画する。(Ryokou no keikaku o kikaku suru.) - To plan a travel itinerary.
Some synonyms for '企画する' include: * **計画する (keikaku suru):** To plan, to schedule. This is a very close synonym and often interchangeable, though '企画する' can imply more creativity and development of a new idea, while '計画する' can be more about scheduling and logistics for an existing idea. * **立案する (ritsuan suru):** To draw up a plan, to draft a scheme. This emphasizes the act of creating the initial proposal or draft. * **案出する (anshutsu suru):** To devise, to contrive, to invent. This highlights the innovative aspect of coming up with a new idea or method.
The word '企画' (kikaku) is composed of two kanji characters: * **企 (ki):** This kanji means 'to undertake,' 'to plan,' 'to scheme,' or 'to attempt.' It conveys the idea of initiating or embarking on something. * **画 (kaku):** This kanji means 'picture,' 'drawing,' 'design,' or 'plan.' In this context, it refers to the conceptualization or design of something. Together, '企画' literally translates to something like 'undertake a plan' or 'design an undertaking,' encapsulating the full meaning of planning and proposing a project.

Test Yourself

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彼女は新しいプロジェクトを＿＿＿＿＿。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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来年のイベントについて＿＿＿＿＿。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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私たちは新しいサービスを＿＿＿＿＿ことにした。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Score: /3

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