Translation and Meaning of: 計画 - keikaku

The Japanese word 計画 [けいかく] is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "plan" or "project," but it goes much further, reflecting important values of Japanese society, such as organization and predictability. In this article, we will explore everything from the origin and writing of the kanji to its everyday use and curiosities that make this word a key piece of vocabulary.

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese view planning or why this word appears so often in professional and academic contexts, you are in the right place. Here at Suki Nihongo, we have gathered accurate information to help you understand not only the translation but also the cultural depth behind 計画.

Meaning and writing of 計画

The word 計画 is composed of two kanjis: 計 (kei), which refers to calculation or measurement, and 画 (kaku), associated with drawing or outlining. Together, they form the idea of a "plan outlined with precision," something common in a culture that values anticipation of scenarios. It's no wonder that this term appears in contexts such as urban planning, work schedules, and even personal strategies.

In writing, it is important to note that the second kanji, 画, can also be read as "ga" in other contexts, but here it keeps the reading "kaku". This specific combination is fixed, with no variations in pronunciation, which makes it easier to memorize. For students, a helpful tip is to associate the radical of 計 (which includes the "speech" component) with the idea of "calculating words", while 画 reminds of a sketch – in other words, planning is like drawing with numbers.

Everyday use and cultural importance

In Japan, 計画 is not limited to schedules or task lists. It reflects a mindset that permeates from early childhood education to corporations. Phrases like 旅行の計画を立てる (ryokou no keikaku wo tateru – "make a travel plan") or プロジェクトの計画期間 (project no keikaku kikan – "project planning period") are common in everyday life. The word carries a connotation of method and control, differing from more informal terms like 予定 (yotei), which simply indicates "schedule."

Culturally, the appreciation of 計画 is linked to the concept of 準備 (junbi – preparation), considered a virtue in Japanese society. In companies, for example, detailed reports and meticulous schedules are the norm, not the exception. Even in mangas and dramas, characters who "fail in planning" (計画が狂う) often become a moral lesson, reinforcing how the word is intertwined with national values.

Translation curiosities and pitfalls

A common misunderstanding when translating 計画 into Portuguese is assuming that it always equates to "projeto." Although it can be used that way in contexts such as 研究計画 (kenkyuu keikaku – "research project"), in other cases "plano" or "estratégia" sound more natural. For example, 計画経済 (keikaku keizai) refers to "planned economy," not "projected economy." This nuance is crucial to avoid misunderstandings in conversations or texts.

Another interesting detail is that, unlike Portuguese, where "to plan" can be something spontaneous, in Japanese 計画 (keikaku) implies deliberation and clear stages. Even in animes, when a villain says 計画通り (keikaku doori – "according to the plan"), there is an emphasis on meticulous execution, almost Machiavellian. This semantic richness makes the word a fascinating study for those who want to go beyond the dictionary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 企画 (Kikaku) - Planning or project, especially in marketing or events contexts.
• プラン (Puran) - A plan, usually more informal or less structured than a formal project.
• 設計 (Sekkei) - Drawing or architectural design, more related to engineering and technical design.
• 計畫 (Keikaku) - Plan or strategy, often referring to a broader and more systematic planning.

計画

Romaji: keikaku
Kana: けいかく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: flat; project; timeline; scheme; program

Meaning in English: plan;project;schedule;scheme;program

Definition: Establish policies and procedures for the future.

Example Sentences - (計画) keikaku

See below some example sentences:

大概な計画を立てる。

Taigai na keikaku wo tateru

Make a rough plan.

Flatter.

• 大概 - generally, approximately
• な - Particle indicating adjective
• 計画 - Plan, project
• を - particle that indicates direct object
• 立てる - make, create, establish

大凡の計画は失敗する。

Daibon no keikaku wa shippai suru

Projetos aproximadamente planejados estão fadados ao fracasso.

O plano geral falha.

• 大凡 - significa "geralmente" ou "em geral".
• の - partícula de posse, que indica que "大凡" é o possuidor da próxima palavra.
• 計画 - means "plan" or "project".
• は - partícula de tópico, que indica que "計画" é o tema da frase.
• 失敗する - significa "falhar" ou "fracassar".

きっちりと計画を立てる。

Kitchiri to keikaku wo tateru

Planeje exatamente.

• きっちりと - advérbio que significa "com precisão" ou "com exatidão".
• 計画 - substantivo que significa "plano" ou "projeto".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 立てる - verbo que significa "criar" ou "estabelecer".

この詐欺は巧妙に計画されていた。

Kono sagi wa kōmyō ni keikaku sarete ita

Este golpe foi cuidadosamente planejado.

Esse golpe foi inteligentemente planejado.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• 詐欺 - substantivo "fraude, golpe"
• は - Topic particle
• 巧妙に - advérbio "habilmente, com astúcia"
• 計画されていた - verbo "ser planejado" conjugado no passado progressivo

この計画は壮大なものだ。

Kono keikaku wa sōdai na mono da

Este plano é grandioso.

Este plano é magnífico.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 計画 - noun meaning "plan" or "project"
• は - topic particle indicating that the preceding noun is the topic of the sentence
• 壮大な - adjetivo que significa "magnífico" ou "grandioso"
• もの - substantivo que pode significar "coisa" ou "objeto", mas neste caso é usado como um sufixo para enfatizar a grandeza do plano
• だ - verbo ser/estar no presente, que indica a existência ou identidade do substantivo anterior

この計画は台無しになった。

Kono keikaku wa dainashi ni natta

This plan was ruined.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 計画 - noun meaning "plan" or "project"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 台無し - adjective meaning "ruined" or "spoiled"
• に - particle indicating action or state
• なった - verb in the past form meaning "became" or "stood"

この計画には明るい見通しがある。

Kono keikaku ni wa akarui mitooshi ga aru

Este plano tem uma perspectiva brilhante.

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one";
• 計画 - substantivo que significa "plano" ou "projeto";
• には - partícula que indica a existência de algo em um determinado lugar ou momento, neste caso, "em relação a este plano";
• 明るい - adjetivo que significa "brilhante" ou "iluminado", utilizado aqui para indicar uma perspectiva positiva em relação ao plano;
• 見通しが - substantivo que significa "visão" ou "perspectiva", seguido da partícula que indica o sujeito da frase, neste caso, "há uma perspectiva";
• ある - verbo que significa "existir" ou "haver", utilizado aqui para indicar a existência da perspectiva positiva em relação ao plano.

この計画は来月に実施されます。

Kono keikaku wa raigetsu ni jisshi saremasu

This plan will be implemented next month.

• この計画 - This plan
• は - Topic particle
• 来月 - Next month
• に - particle of time
• 実施されます - Will be implemented

この計画には明確な目標が必要です。

Kono keikaku ni wa meikaku na mokuhyō ga hitsuyō desu

Este plano precisa de objetivos claros.

Este plano requer um objetivo claro.

• この計画 - Este plano
• には - requer
• 明確な - claro
• 目標 - objective
• が - is
• 必要です - necessary

予め計画を立てることが重要です。

Yobunme keikaku wo tateru koto ga juuyou desu

É importante fazer um planejamento antecipado.

É importante fazer um plano com antecedência.

• 予め - advérbio que significa "antecipadamente" ou "previamente".
• 計画 - substantivo que significa "plano" ou "projeto".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 立てる - verbo que significa "fazer" ou "criar".
• こと - substantivo que indica uma ação ou evento.
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important" or "crucial".
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence.