1.
scheming, plotting, maneuvering
Planning something secretly, typically with negative or self-serving intent. Implies underhanded or manipulative planning behind the scenes.
彼は裏で画策していた。
He was scheming behind the scenes.
政権交代を画策する動きがあった。
There were moves to plot a change of government.
競合他社を追い落とそうと画策したが、結局自分たちの評判を落とす結果になった。
They schemed to bring down a rival company, but it ended up damaging their own reputation.
USAGE:
Almost always carries a negative connotation. Used to describe secret, self-serving plans or political maneuvering. Functions as a する verb: 画策する (to scheme, to plot).
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 計画: plan — neutral, no negative connotation
- 画策: scheme, plot — implies secrecy and negative intent
- 陰謀: conspiracy — stronger, implies larger-scale plotting
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 裏で画策する: scheme behind the scenes
- 密かに画策する: secretly plot
- クーデターを画策する: plot a coup