1.
to scheme, to plan, to plot, to intend
To plan or intend something, often with a nuance of strategic calculation or hidden motives.
何を目論んでいるんだ？
What are you scheming?
彼は海外進出を目論んでいる。
He is planning to expand overseas.
会社は大規模なリストラを目論んでいるらしいが、社員にはまだ知らされていない。
The company is apparently planning major restructuring, but the employees haven't been told yet.
CONJUGATION (godan):
- Negative: 目論まない
- Te-form: 目論んで
- Past: 目論んだ
USAGE:
Carries a nuance of strategic or calculated planning. Can be neutral (ambitious planning) or negative (scheming, plotting). The noun form 目論見 (plan, scheme, design) is also common: 目論見が外れる (one's plan goes awry).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 逆転を目論む: to plot a reversal
- 拡大を目論む: to plan expansion
- 目論見が外れる: one's scheme falls through