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計画する

B1 verb #1,800 most common 11 min read

計画する

To plan or make a project.

keikaku suru Top 1,800

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to navigate the Japanese language. The concept of 'planning' is usually introduced through simpler vocabulary like '予定' (yotei - schedule) or grammar points like '〜つもりです' (tsumori desu - intend to). However, recognizing the noun '計画' (keikaku) is incredibly beneficial even at this early stage. You might see it on signs, in simple reading exercises, or hear it when someone is talking about a big trip. While you might not be expected to conjugate '計画する' into complex forms, understanding that it means 'to plan' will help you grasp the context of conversations about the future. For instance, if a friend says '旅行の計画' (ryokou no keikaku), you can understand they are talking about 'travel plans.' At this level, focus on recognizing the word and associating it with future actions, trips, or events. You can start practicing by using it in very basic sentences, such as '計画があります' (I have a plan) or '計画が好きです' (I like planning). This foundational recognition sets the stage for more active usage as you progress in your studies.

As you reach the A2 level, your ability to discuss daily routines and future events expands significantly. Here, '計画する' becomes an active part of your vocabulary. You will start using it to talk about your weekend plans, holidays, and simple projects. You will learn to conjugate it into the basic polite forms: '計画します' (will plan) and '計画しました' (planned). You will also start using the phrase '計画を立てる' (to make a plan), which is very common in everyday Japanese. At this stage, you should be able to express sentences like '週末の計画を立てましょう' (Let's make plans for the weekend) or '夏休みの旅行を計画しています' (I am planning a summer vacation trip). Understanding the difference between a simple intention ('つもり') and a structured plan ('計画') becomes clearer. You will also encounter this word frequently in reading comprehension exercises involving diaries, emails from friends, or simple travel brochures. Practicing this word in the context of your own life—planning your study schedule or your next trip to Japan—will solidify its meaning and usage in your mind.

At the B1 level, '計画する' is a core vocabulary word that you are expected to use comfortably and accurately in a variety of contexts. You are now moving beyond simple weekend plans and discussing more complex, multi-step projects. This includes travel itineraries, study schedules for proficiency exams, and basic business or school projects. You will frequently use the progressive form '計画している' to indicate ongoing planning. Furthermore, you will begin to understand and use the passive form '計画されている' (is planned), which is crucial for reading news articles or understanding announcements about public events and infrastructure. At this level, you should also be aware of the nuances that separate '計画する' from similar words like '予定する' (to schedule) and '企画する' (to plan an event/project). You will use it in conditional sentences, such as 'もし旅行を計画するなら、早くホテルを予約したほうがいい' (If you are planning a trip, you should book a hotel early). Mastery at this level means you can fluidly integrate the word into both casual conversations and slightly more formal discussions or written texts.

Reaching the B2 level means you are capable of discussing abstract concepts and professional topics. '計画する' takes on a more formal and strategic role in your vocabulary. You will use it in business contexts, discussing '事業計画' (business plans), 'プロジェクトの計画' (project planning), and '将来の計画' (future plans/career plans). You are expected to use it seamlessly with complex grammar structures, such as expressing purpose, hypothetical situations, and detailed explanations. For example, '目標を達成するためには、綿密に計画することが不可欠です' (In order to achieve your goals, meticulous planning is essential). You will also encounter it frequently in authentic materials like news broadcasts, opinion pieces, and business emails. At this stage, your understanding of collocations becomes important; you should know which adverbs pair naturally with '計画する', such as '慎重に計画する' (to plan carefully) or '具体的に計画する' (to plan concretely). You will also be able to critique plans or discuss the failure of a plan using phrases like '計画通りにいかない' (things don't go according to plan).

At the C1 level, your use of '計画する' is sophisticated and nuanced, mirroring that of a native speaker in professional and academic settings. You are not just talking about making plans; you are discussing the methodology, the strategic implications, and the long-term impact of those plans. You will encounter and use advanced compound words and formal synonyms, such as '立案する' (to draft a plan) or '策定する' (to formulate a plan), knowing exactly when '計画する' is the more appropriate choice. You will read complex texts—such as government white papers, corporate strategy documents, or academic journals—where '計画される' is used to describe large-scale societal or economic shifts. Your spoken Japanese will reflect this depth; you can debate the merits of a proposed urban development plan or present a comprehensive business strategy in a meeting. You will use phrases like '長期的な視野に立って計画する' (to plan from a long-term perspective) or '不測の事態を想定して計画する' (to plan assuming unforeseen circumstances). At this level, the word is a tool for complex argumentation and high-level professional communication.

At the C2 level, you possess near-native mastery of '計画する' and its entire semantic family. You understand the deep cultural connotations of planning in Japanese society—the concept of 'nemawashi' (laying the groundwork) and the intense focus on risk mitigation and consensus-building that precedes any official '計画'. You can navigate the most subtle nuances in literature, legal documents, and high-level diplomatic or corporate negotiations. You recognize when '計画する' is used ironically or critically in editorial pieces. You can effortlessly switch between the highly formal '計画を策定する' in a boardroom and the casual '計画練ろうぜ' (let's work out a plan) with close friends. Your vocabulary includes highly specific idioms and proverbs related to planning. You can write persuasive essays or policy proposals where the act of planning is central to the thesis. At this ultimate level of proficiency, '計画する' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a concept that you can manipulate, critique, and employ with absolute precision across any register, tone, or medium in the Japanese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

計画する in 30 Seconds

Means 'to plan' or 'make a project'.
Used for trips, events, and business.
Group 3 (suru) transitive verb.
Implies careful thought and preparation.

The Japanese verb '計画する' (keikaku suru) is a fundamental vocabulary word for learners at the CEFR B1 level, translating directly to 'to plan' or 'to make a project.' Understanding this word requires a deep dive into its kanji components, its nuanced usage in daily and professional life, and how it differs from other seemingly similar words in the Japanese language. The word is composed of two kanji: '計' (kei), which means to measure, plot, or scheme, and '画' (kaku/ga), which means a picture, stroke, or to map out. Together, they form the concept of drawing up a measurable, structured outline for future actions. When you use '計画する', you are implying a deliberate, thought-out process rather than a spontaneous decision. This is not just about deciding what to eat for dinner; it is about organizing a trip, structuring a business proposal, or laying out a long-term study schedule. To truly master this word, one must recognize its formal undertones while appreciating its versatility in casual conversations when discussing significant future events. Let us explore the various dimensions of this word through detailed explanations, practical examples, and structural breakdowns.

Kanji Breakdown: 計: The first character, 計, is used in words related to measuring, calculating, or planning, such as 時計 (clock) or 計算 (calculation). It brings the nuance of precision and careful thought.

私たちは来年の夏休みにヨーロッパ旅行を計画するつもりです。

Kanji Breakdown: 画: The second character, 画, is often seen in words like 映画 (movie) or 画面 (screen). In this context, it means to draw up or map out a vision, adding a visual or structural element to the plan.

新しいビジネスを計画するのは非常に時間がかかります。

彼女は自分のキャリアを慎重に計画するタイプの人です。

Noun vs. Verb: '計画' itself is a noun meaning 'a plan.' By adding 'する' (suru), it becomes the verb 'to plan.' You can also say '計画を立てる' (keikaku o tateru), which means 'to make a plan' and is often used interchangeably.

週末のハイキングを計画するために、地図を買いました。

イベントを計画する際は、予算を考慮しなければなりません。

Furthermore, the cultural context of planning in Japan cannot be overstated. Japanese society highly values structure, predictability, and thorough preparation, often referred to as 'nemawashi' in business contexts. Therefore, the act of '計画する' is not just a personal organizational tool but a social expectation. When you plan a project in a Japanese company, you are expected to consider every possible outcome, risk, and necessary resource. This makes the word '計画する' carry a weight of responsibility. It is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object marked by the particle 'を' (o). For example, '旅行を計画する' (to plan a trip) or 'イベントを計画する' (to plan an event). Understanding this grammatical structure is crucial for forming correct and natural-sounding sentences. As you continue to study Japanese, you will find that mastering this word opens up the ability to discuss future intentions, professional projects, and collaborative efforts with clarity and precision.

Using '計画する' correctly involves understanding its grammatical properties, its conjugations, and the common sentence patterns it inhabits. As a 'suru-verb' (Group 3 verb), it is highly regular in its conjugation, making it relatively easy for learners to adapt to different tenses and politeness levels. The base noun is '計画' (keikaku), and appending 'する' turns it into an action. In its polite form, it becomes '計画します' (keikaku shimasu), while the negative form is '計画しない' (keikaku shinai) or '計画しません' (keikaku shimasen). When you want to express that you are currently in the process of planning something, you would use the present progressive form: '計画している' (keikaku shite iru) or '計画しています' (keikaku shite imasu). This is perhaps one of the most common ways you will hear and use the word, as planning is often an ongoing activity.

Transitive Usage: As a transitive verb, '計画する' requires a direct object. The object is marked with the particle 'を' (o). The structure is always [Object] + を + 計画する.

来月の会議を計画する必要があります。

Passive Form: The passive form is '計画される' (keikaku sareru), meaning 'to be planned.' This is very common in news reports or formal announcements regarding public works, events, or corporate strategies.

新しい駅の建設が計画されている。

大規模なフェスティバルが市によって計画されました。

Volitional Form: To suggest planning something together, use the volitional form '計画しよう' (keikaku shiyou) or '計画しましょう' (keikaku shimashou). This translates to 'Let's plan...'

みんなでサプライズパーティーを計画しよう！

次回のプロジェクトをどのように計画するか話し合いましょう。

Another important grammatical point is the use of '計画する' with nominalizers like 'こと' (koto) or 'の' (no). If you want to say 'Planning is important,' you would say '計画すること（は）重要です' (Keikaku suru koto wa juuyou desu). This turns the verb phrase into a noun phrase, allowing it to act as the subject or object of a larger sentence. You will also frequently encounter '計画通りに' (keikaku doori ni), which means 'according to plan.' While this uses the noun form, it is intrinsically linked to the action of planning. For instance, '計画通りに進む' (to proceed according to plan) is a staple phrase in both business and daily life. Mastering these conjugations and sentence structures will allow you to communicate your intentions, organize group activities, and understand formal announcements with much greater fluency and confidence.

The verb '計画する' is ubiquitous in Japanese society, appearing across a wide spectrum of contexts ranging from casual daily conversations to highly formal business environments and official government broadcasts. Because planning is such a deeply ingrained aspect of Japanese culture, you will encounter this word frequently in both spoken and written Japanese. In everyday life, it is most commonly heard when friends, families, or couples are discussing future activities. For example, planning a domestic trip to Kyoto, organizing a weekend barbecue, or setting up a study schedule for an upcoming exam. In these casual settings, the progressive form '計画している' is often used to show that the planning process is currently underway.

Business and Corporate Settings: In the corporate world, '計画する' is an essential vocabulary word. It is used in meetings, proposals, and reports. Terms like '事業計画' (business plan) or 'プロジェクトを計画する' (to plan a project) are daily occurrences.

来年度の予算を計画するための会議が開かれます。

News and Public Announcements: News anchors frequently use the passive form '計画されている' when reporting on government initiatives, urban development, or large-scale public events.

政府は新しい環境保護政策を計画していると発表しました。

この地域では大規模な再開発が計画されています。

Travel and Leisure: Travel agencies, guidebooks, and tourism websites use this word to encourage people to organize their itineraries. '旅行を計画する' is a very common collocation.

家族でハワイ旅行を計画するのはとても楽しいです。

完璧なデートを計画するために、彼は何時間も調べ物をした。

You will also hear this word in educational settings. Teachers might instruct students to '学習計画を計画する' (though '学習計画を立てる' is more natural, meaning to set up a study plan) to prepare for university entrance exams. The concept of '計画' is so central to Japanese education that students are taught from a young age how to manage their time effectively using planners and schedules. Furthermore, in the context of personal finance, '資金計画を計画する' (planning a financial strategy) is a common phrase used by financial advisors and banks. Whether you are watching a Japanese drama about corporate struggles, reading a news article about the upcoming Olympics, or simply chatting with a language exchange partner about what to do next weekend, '計画する' is a word that you will encounter constantly. Its broad applicability makes it one of the most useful verbs to master at the intermediate level.

While '計画する' is a relatively straightforward verb, learners often make subtle mistakes regarding its nuance, collocation, and differentiation from similar words. One of the most frequent errors is confusing '計画する' (to plan) with '予定する' (to schedule/to plan). While both can be translated as 'to plan' in English, their implications in Japanese are quite different. '予定する' refers to something that is already decided or scheduled to happen, often involving dates and times. It is more about expectation. On the other hand, '計画する' involves the active, cognitive process of figuring out *how* to do something, detailing the steps, resources, and methods required. Using them interchangeably can lead to unnatural sentences. For example, saying '明日、映画を見る計画です' sounds overly formal and heavy for a simple movie outing; '明日、映画を見る予定です' is much more natural.

Overusing 計画する for Simple Actions: Learners often use '計画する' for trivial daily tasks. '計画する' implies a project or a multi-step process. For simple intentions, use 'つもり' (tsumori) or '予定' (yotei).

❌ 昼ご飯を食べることを計画する。
⭕ 昼ご飯を食べる予定です。

Confusing with 企む (Takuramu): Another mistake is confusing '計画する' with '企む' (takuramu). While both mean to plan or scheme, '企む' has a strong negative, malicious connotation (to plot something bad). '計画する' is neutral or positive.

❌ 銀行強盗を計画する。（Grammatically okay, but 企む is more natural for crimes）
⭕ 銀行強盗を企む。

⭕ サプライズパーティーを計画する。（Positive/Neutral）

Incorrect Particle Usage: Since '計画する' is a transitive verb, it must take the particle 'を' (o) for its direct object. Using 'に' (ni) or 'が' (ga) incorrectly changes the meaning or makes the sentence ungrammatical.

❌ 旅行が計画する。
⭕ 旅行を計画する。

⭕ 旅行が計画される。（Passive: A trip is planned）

Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the phrase '計画を立てる' (to make a plan). A common mistake is saying '計画を作る' (keikaku o tsukuru). While '作る' means to make, in Japanese, plans are 'stood up' or 'established' (立てる), not physically crafted. Therefore, '計画を立てる' is the natural collocation. Understanding these subtle distinctions will significantly elevate your Japanese from sounding like a direct translation to sounding like a native speaker. Always consider the scale of the action, the intent behind it, and the correct grammatical particles when deploying '計画する' in your conversations and writing.

The Japanese language is rich with vocabulary related to planning, organizing, and scheduling. While '計画する' is an excellent, versatile word, knowing its synonyms and related terms will allow you to express yourself with much greater precision. Understanding the subtle differences between these words is a hallmark of an advanced learner. The most common synonyms include '企画する' (kikaku suru), '予定する' (yotei suru), '立案する' (ritsuan suru), and '設計する' (sekkei suru). Each of these words carries a specific nuance that makes it more suitable for certain contexts than others. Let us break down these similar words to understand exactly when to use which.

企画する (Kikaku suru): This means 'to plan' but with a strong emphasis on the creative or conceptual phase. It is often used for events, marketing campaigns, or new products. It implies coming up with the idea and the initial framework.

新しいテレビ番組を企画する。

予定する (Yotei suru): This means 'to schedule' or 'to expect.' It is used when something is already decided to happen at a certain time. It lacks the nuance of actively figuring out the steps, which '計画する' has.

明日は会議を予定している。

来週、東京に出張する予定です。

立案する (Ritsuan suru): This is a highly formal word meaning 'to draft a plan' or 'to formulate.' It is almost exclusively used in formal business, legal, or governmental contexts. It implies creating the official document or policy.

新しいマーケティング戦略を立案する。

政府が新しい法案を立案した。

Another related word is '設計する' (sekkei suru), which means 'to design' or 'to plan out' in an engineering or architectural sense. You would use this when planning the layout of a building or the architecture of a software system. While '計画する' is the umbrella term for organizing a process, these specific synonyms allow you to pinpoint exactly what kind of planning you are doing. By mastering this vocabulary cluster, you can navigate both casual weekend planning with friends and high-level strategic meetings in a Japanese corporate environment with ease and accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

旅行の計画があります。

I have travel plans.

Noun usage: 計画 (plan) + があります (there is/I have).

計画は楽しいです。

Planning is fun.

計画 (noun) as the subject.

いい計画ですね。

That's a good plan.

Adjective + Noun: いい (good) + 計画 (plan).

私の計画です。

It is my plan.

Possessive particle: 私の (my).

計画を見せてください。

Please show me the plan.

Object particle を + 見せてください (please show).

新しい計画があります。

I have a new plan.

Adjective + Noun: 新しい (new) + 計画.

計画が好きです。

I like planning.

Noun + が好きです (like).

明日の計画は何ですか？

What is the plan for tomorrow?

Question word 何 (what).

週末の旅行を計画します。

I will plan a weekend trip.

Verb polite form: 計画します.

友達とパーティーを計画しました。

I planned a party with my friends.

Past tense: 計画しました.

夏休みの計画を立てましょう。

Let's make plans for summer vacation.

Volitional form: 立てましょう (let's make).

まだ計画していません。

I haven't planned it yet.

Negative progressive: していません.

デートを計画するのは難しいです。

Planning a date is difficult.

Nominalizer: 計画する + の (the act of planning).

一緒に計画しませんか？

Won't you plan it with me?

Invitation: 計画しませんか.

計画通りにいきました。

It went according to plan.

Phrase: 計画通り (according to plan).

どんな計画がありますか？

What kind of plans do you have?

Question word: どんな (what kind of).

来年のプロジェクトを計画しているところです。

I am in the middle of planning next year's project.

Progressive + ところです (in the middle of doing).

予算を考慮してイベントを計画する必要があります。

It is necessary to plan the event considering the budget.

〜する必要があります (need to do).

新しい駅の建設が計画されています。

The construction of a new station is being planned.

Passive progressive: 計画されています.

もし海外旅行を計画するなら、早くビザを申請したほうがいい。

If you plan a trip abroad, you should apply for a visa early.

Conditional なら (if) + ほうがいい (should).

彼らは秘密のサプライズを計画していた。

They were planning a secret surprise.

Past progressive: 計画していた.

計画する前に、もっと情報を集めましょう。

Before planning, let's gather more information.

Verb dictionary form + 前に (before doing).

この計画は誰が計画したのですか？

Who planned this plan?

Explanatory のです.

将来のキャリアを慎重に計画したいです。

I want to carefully plan my future career.

Adverb 慎重に (carefully) + たい (want to).

都市開発計画が市議会で承認され、実行に向けて計画され始めた。

The urban development plan was approved by the city council and has begun to be planned for execution.

Passive + 始める (begin to be done).

不測の事態に備えて、代替案も計画しておくべきだ。

In preparation for unforeseen circumstances, alternative plans should also be planned in advance.

〜ておく (do in advance) + べきだ (should).

マーケティング戦略を計画する上で、ターゲット層の分析は欠かせない。

When planning a marketing strategy, analyzing the target audience is indispensable.

〜する上で (when doing/in the process of).

彼の計画した通りに物事が進むとは限らない。

Things won't necessarily proceed exactly as he planned.

〜通りに (exactly as) + とは限らない (not necessarily).

長期的な視野に立って事業を計画することが経営者には求められる。

Business leaders are required to plan their business from a long-term perspective.

Nominalizer こと + が求められる (is required).

環境保護を目的とした新しいキャンペーンが計画されている。

A new campaign aimed at environmental protection is being planned.

〜を目的とした (aimed at).

予算の削減に伴い、当初計画していたイベントの規模を縮小せざるを得なかった。

Due to budget cuts, we had no choice but to reduce the scale of the initially planned event.

〜せざるを得ない (have no choice but to).

綿密に計画された犯罪であり、警察も捜査に難航している。

It was a meticulously planned crime, and the police are having difficulty with the investigation.

Adverb 綿密に (meticulously) + Passive modifier.

政府は少子高齢化対策として、抜本的な社会保障制度の改革を計画している。

The government is planning a drastic reform of the social security system as a countermeasure against the declining birthrate and aging population.

Complex noun modification and formal vocabulary.

その企業は海外市場への進出を計画するにあたり、現地のコンサルタントを起用した。

Upon planning its expansion into overseas markets, the company appointed a local consultant.

〜するにあたり (upon doing/when doing - formal).

緻密に計画されたスケジュールであっても、現場の状況次第で柔軟な対応が求められる。

Even with a precisely planned schedule, flexible responses are required depending on the situation on the ground.

〜であっても (even if) + 次第で (depending on).

次世代のリーダーを育成するための研修プログラムが、人事部によって計画・実施された。

A training program to develop next-generation leaders was planned and implemented by the human resources department.

Compound verb structure 計画・実施された.

インフラ整備を計画する段階で、環境アセスメントを徹底することが法律で義務付けられている。

At the stage of planning infrastructure development, conducting a thorough environmental assessment is mandated by law.

〜する段階で (at the stage of doing).

彼の計画は理論上は完璧だが、実務レベルで計画を遂行するには多くの課題が残されている。

His plan is perfect in theory, but many challenges remain to execute the plan at a practical level.

Contrastive は and formal vocabulary (遂行する).

地域住民の合意形成を図りながら、持続可能なまちづくりを計画していく方針だ。

The policy is to plan sustainable urban development while striving to build consensus among local residents.

〜ながら (while doing) + 〜ていく (continue to do).

リスクマネジメントの観点から、最悪のシナリオを想定して事業継続計画を計画しなければならない。

From a risk management perspective, a business continuity plan must be planned assuming the worst-case scenario.

〜の観点から (from the perspective of).

国家の命運を左右するほどの壮大なプロジェクトが、水面下で極秘裏に計画されていた。

A grand project that could determine the fate of the nation was being planned in absolute secrecy behind the scenes.

Highly literary and formal expressions (水面下で, 極秘裏に).

単なる思いつきではなく、過去の膨大なデータを解析した上で周到に計画された戦略である。

It is not a mere whim, but a strategy that was meticulously planned after analyzing a vast amount of past data.

〜た上で (upon having done) + 周到に (meticulously).

その法案は、将来的な財政破綻を回避するために、数年がかりで計画・立案されたものだ。

The bill was planned and drafted over several years in order to avoid future financial collapse.

〜がかりで (taking [time]) + compound formal verbs.

都市の景観と歴史的建造物の保存を両立させるべく、新たなガイドラインが計画されつつある。

New guidelines are in the process of being planned in order to balance the cityscape with the preservation of historical buildings.

〜べく (in order to - highly formal) + 〜つつある (in the process of).

彼の小説は、結末から逆算して全ての伏線が精緻に計画されている点が高く評価されている。

His novel is highly praised for the fact that all foreshadowing is exquisitely planned by calculating backward from the ending.

Passive modification + 点が評価されている (the point that... is praised).

パンデミックという未曾有の危機に対し、政府は場当たり的ではない、抜本的な対策を計画する責務がある。

In response to the unprecedented crisis of a pandemic, the government has a duty to plan drastic, rather than ad-hoc, countermeasures.

Formal vocabulary (未曾有, 場当たり的, 責務).

宇宙探査ミッションは、何千人もの技術者の英知を結集し、何十年もの歳月をかけて計画される。

Space exploration missions are planned over decades, bringing together the wisdom of thousands of engineers.

Poetic and grand scale expressions (英知を結集し).

利害関係者の思惑が交錯する中、全員が納得する妥協点を模索しながら制度設計を計画するのは至難の業だ。

Amidst the intertwining motives of stakeholders, planning a system design while seeking a compromise that satisfies everyone is a monumental task.

Advanced idioms and complex sentence structure (至難の業).

Common Collocations

旅行を計画する

イベントを計画する

プロジェクトを計画する

将来を計画する

慎重に計画する

綿密に計画する

予算を計画する

都市を計画する

犯罪を計画する

再開発を計画する

Common Phrases

計画を立てる

計画通りに進む

計画が狂う

計画を練る

計画を実行する

計画を見直す

計画を白紙に戻す

計画に変更はない

無計画な

計画的な

Often Confused With

計画する vs 予定する (to schedule)

計画する vs 企画する (to conceptualize)

計画する vs 企む (to scheme negatively)

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

計画する vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Implies a structured, multi-step process rather than a simple decision.

Common Mistakes

Using 計画する for simple daily routines instead of 予定 or つもり.
Saying 計画を作る instead of the natural collocation 計画を立てる.
Confusing 計画する (neutral/positive planning) with 企む (malicious scheming).
Using the particle が instead of を for the active verb form (e.g., 旅行が計画する is wrong).
Confusing 計画 (the process of planning) with 予定 (a set schedule).

Tips

Particle を

Always use the particle を with 計画する when indicating what you are planning. Example: イベントを計画する。

Collocation: 立てる

Remember the phrase 計画を立てる. In Japanese, you 'stand up' a plan, you don't 'make' (作る) it.

Scale Matters

Reserve 計画する for significant events (trips, projects, parties) rather than minor daily chores.

News Broadcasts

Listen for 計画されています in the news. It's a massive clue that they are talking about future government or corporate actions.

Volitional Form

Use 計画しよう (Let's plan) to sound enthusiastic when organizing an outing with friends.

Business Emails

Use 計画しております (humble form) in business emails to sound professional when discussing your company's intentions.

Kanji Recognition

Look for the 計 kanji. It almost always relates to measuring, calculating, or planning something.

Nemawashi

Understand that in Japan, 'planning' (計画) often involves a lot of behind-the-scenes consensus building before the plan is official.

Nominalization

Use 計画すること to turn the verb into a noun phrase. Example: 計画することは大切だ (Planning is important).

Adverbial Use

Use 計画通りに (according to plan) to describe how an event is progressing. It's a very common and natural phrase.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'K' (Kei) for 'Calculating' and 'Kaku' for 'Kakkoii' (cool) pictures. You are calculating and drawing a cool picture of your future plan.

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

Business plans (事業計画) are formal documents required for almost any corporate action.

Students are taught to make study plans (学習計画) from elementary school.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"今年の夏休みは何か計画していますか？"

"週末の計画を立てましょう！"

"将来のキャリアについてどう計画していますか？"

"旅行の計画を立てるのは好きですか？"

"プロジェクトの計画は順調ですか？"

Journal Prompts

来年の目標と、それを達成するための計画を書いてください。

今までで一番楽しかった旅行の計画について教えてください。

計画通りにいかなかった時のエピソードを書いてください。

もし100万円あったら、どんな計画を立てますか？

あなたの国の都市計画についてどう思いますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

計画する (keikaku suru) means to actively figure out the steps and details of a project or event. It requires thought and preparation. 予定する (yotei suru) means to schedule something or expect it to happen, usually referring to a date or time that is already set. Use 計画 for 'how' and 予定 for 'when'.

It sounds unnatural to use 計画する for simple things like eating lunch or going to the supermarket. It implies a larger project or multi-step process. For daily tasks, use 予定 (schedule) or つもり (intention).

Yes, they are very similar and often interchangeable. 計画を立てる literally means 'to stand up a plan' (to make a plan), focusing slightly more on the creation of the plan itself. 計画する is the direct verb 'to plan'.

You can say '計画通りにいかなかった' (keikaku doori ni ikanakatta). '計画通り' means 'according to plan', and 'いかない' is the negative form of 'いく' (to go).

It is a transitive verb. This means it takes a direct object, which is marked by the particle を (o). For example, 旅行を計画する (to plan a trip).

The first kanji, 計 (kei), means to measure, calculate, or plot. The second kanji, 画 (kaku/ga), means a picture, stroke, or to map out. Together, they mean to map out a calculated structure.

Generally, 計画する is neutral or positive. However, if you are talking about a crime, it can be used (e.g., 犯罪を計画する). But for malicious scheming, the word 企む (takuramu) is more commonly used.

The passive form is 計画される (keikaku sareru). It is often used in news or formal announcements to say 'is being planned'. For example, 新しいビルが計画されている (A new building is being planned).

The noun form is simply 計画 (keikaku), which means 'a plan'. You can use it in sentences like 'いい計画ですね' (That's a good plan).

You can use the adjective form 計画的 (keikakuteki). For example, 計画的な犯行 (a premeditated/planned crime) or 計画的に勉強する (to study systematically).