Translation and Meaning of: 企画 - kikaku

The Japanese word 企画 (きかく) is a term quite present in the professional and academic daily life of Japan. If you have come across it in advertisements, business meetings, or even in mangas and dramas, you may have been curious about its exact meaning and how it is used in practice. In this article, we will explore its origin and translation as well as the cultural context in which 企画 fits, helping you understand why it is so relevant.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 企画, let's analyze how this word is perceived by the Japanese, its frequency in daily life, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. If you're studying Japanese or just have an interest in the language, this guide will offer useful and accurate information, without fabrications or baseless assumptions. Shall we get started?

The meaning and translation of 企画

企画 (きかく) can be translated as "plan," "project," or "planning." It is used to refer to structured ideas aimed at a specific objective, whether in a corporate, academic, or even creative context. Unlike words like 計画 (けいかく), which also means "plan," 企画 carries a nuance more focused on the initial conception and development of a proposal.

A practical example is the common use in Japanese companies, where 企画部 (きかくぶ) means "planning department." Here, the word not only indicates the existence of a sector but also its active role in creating strategies and projects. This subtle distinction is important for anyone who wants to use the term correctly in conversations or formal texts.

The origin and the kanjis of 企画

The composition of 企画 is formed by two kanji: 企 (き), which means "to undertake" or "to plan," and 画 (かく), which can be translated as "scheme" or "drawing." Together, they reinforce the idea of a well-structured project, something that goes beyond a mere draft. It is worth noting that the first kanji, 企, appears in other words related to initiatives, such as 企業 (きぎょう), which means "company."

From a historical perspective, 企画 gained prominence in Japan after the war, when the country underwent an intense process of reconstruction and economic development. In this context, the word became essential to describe industrial projects, public campaigns, and even cultural events. Today, it retains this connotation of innovation and action, being frequently associated with ideas that seek to transform something.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, 企画 is not limited to the business world. It appears in various contexts, from the organization of local festivals to the launch of pop products, such as CDs and manga. One proof of this is the expression 企画物 (きかくもの), used to describe special editions or products released as part of a specific campaign. This type of usage shows how the word is rooted in consumer and entertainment culture.

Another interesting aspect is the presence of 企画 in public announcements and promotional materials. Whether in train station posters or TV commercials, the word is often used to convey a sense of novelty and purpose. For the Japanese, this reinforces the idea that a 企画 is not just any plan, but something designed to make an impact. Those studying Japanese can benefit from this knowledge when trying to decipher everyday texts or dialogues.

Tips for memorizing and using 企画

An effective way to fix 企画 in memory is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think about how companies announce "new projects" or how cultural events are promoted with the idea of a "special plan." This connection with real contexts helps to internalize not only the meaning but also the nuance of the word. Another tip is to practice with short examples, such as この企画は成功した (This project was a success).

Furthermore, it is worth noting that 企画 is often used in conjunction with other terms, such as 企画書 (きかくしょ), which means "project document." Knowing these combinations can be useful for both understanding and producing texts in Japanese. Over time, you will naturally identify patterns and situations where the word fits best, avoiding confusion with similar terms.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 企て (kuwadate) - Plan or intention of action
• 計画 (keikaku) - Plan or program, usually more formal.
• プラン (puramu) - Plain, often used in less formal or technical contexts.
• プロジェクト (purojekuto) - Project, usually a more comprehensive and technical plan.
• 案 (an) - Preliminary proposal or idea
• 立案 (ritsuan) - Development of a plan, study for a project
• 設計 (sekkei) - Technical design or planning of something
• 構想 (kousou) - Idea or conception, generally more abstract and creative
• 計画する (keikaku suru) - Make a plan
• 立案する (ritsuan suru) - Develop a plan
• 構想する (kousou suru) - Conceive an idea or plan
• 計画書 (keikaku sho) - Formal planning document
• 計画的 (keikakuteki) - Planned or systematic, with a focus on organization
• 計画的に (keikakuteki ni) - In a planned or systematic way
• 計画的な (keikakuteki na) - Concept related to an organized and planned approach

企画

Romaji: kikaku
Kana: きかく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: planning; project

Meaning in English: planning;project

Definition: To make a deal or plan.

Example Sentences - (企画) kikaku

See below some example sentences:

この企画は成功すると信じています。

Kono kikaku wa seikou suru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this plan will succeed.

I believe this project will succeed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that indicates something close to the speaker
• 企画 - noun meaning "plan" or "project"
• は - topic particle, which indicates the subject of the sentence
• 成功 - noun meaning "success"
• する - verb meaning "to do" or "to accomplish"
• と - particle indicating the quotation of an opinion or thought
• 信じています - verb meaning "to believe" or "to have faith", conjugated in the present affirmative