策 略(さくりゃく)

さくりゃく

noun

stratagem, scheme, ploy

1. stratagem, scheme, ploy, cunning plan

A clever or cunning plan designed to achieve a goal, often by outwitting others. Usually implies calculating, underhanded, or manipulative intent.

敵(てき)の策略(さくりゃく)にはまった。

I fell for the enemy's ploy.

あれは相手(あいて)の策略(さくりゃく)だと気(き)づいた。

I realized that was the other party's scheme.

巧(たく)みな策略(さくりゃく)を使(つか)って、彼(かれ)は交渉(こうしょう)を有利(ゆうり)に進(すす)めた。

Using a clever stratagem, he steered the negotiations in his favor.

Usage

策略(さくりゃく) usually carries a negative connotation, implying deception or manipulation. It is the kind of plan someone devises to trick or outmaneuver others.

Common collocations

策略(さくりゃく)にはまる: to fall for a scheme
策略(さくりゃく)を練(ね)る: to devise a stratagem
策略(さくりゃく)を使(つか)う: to use a ploy
策略(さくりゃく)を見抜(みぬ)く: to see through a scheme
巧(たく)みな策略(さくりゃく): a clever stratagem

Similar words

戦略(せんりゃく) means "strategy" and is neutral, used for military, business, and general planning. 策略(さくりゃく) implies cunning and often carries a negative undertone of deception. 計略(けいりゃく) is similar to 策略(さくりゃく) but even more strongly implies a deliberate trap.

Related Words

Compare: 戦略(せんりゃく) (strategy (neutral))

Synonym: 計略(けいりゃく) (stratagem (stronger negative))

Related: 駆(か)け引(ひ)き (bargaining)

Related: 罠(わな) (trap, snare)

Compare: 謀略(ぼうりゃく) (stratagem)

Compare: 企(たくら)み (plot)

Compare: 術策(じゅっさく) (stratagem)

Compare: 陥穽(かんせい) (pitfall)

Compare: 術中(じゅっちゅう) (trap)

general

Added 2026.2.27 12:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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