計 略(けいりゃく)

けいりゃく

noun

strategy, scheme, ruse

1. strategy, scheme, stratagem, ruse

A clever plan or trick designed to deceive an opponent or achieve an objective through cunning rather than direct force. Often used in military, political, and game contexts. Carries a nuance of calculated deception.

敵(てき)の計略(けいりゃく)にはまった。

I fell for the enemy's scheme.

巧(たく)みな計略(けいりゃく)で相手(あいて)を出(だ)し抜(ぬ)いた。

He outwitted the opponent with a clever stratagem.

戦国(せんごく)時代(じだい)の武将(ぶしょう)たちは様々(さまざま)な計略(けいりゃく)を用(もち)いて領地(りょうち)を広(ひろ)げた。

The warlords of the Sengoku period used various stratagems to expand their territories.

Common collocations

計略(けいりゃく)にはまる: to fall for a scheme
計略(けいりゃく)を巡(めぐ)らす: to devise a stratagem
計略(けいりゃく)を用(もち)いる: to employ a stratagem
巧(たく)みな計略(けいりゃく): a clever ruse

Similar words

策略(さくりゃく): plot, scheme (similar but more negative, implies manipulation)
戦略(せんりゃく): strategy (broader, neutral — overall plan for achieving goals)
作戦(さくせん): tactics, operation (military or practical plan of action)

Usage

Commonly encountered in historical narratives, strategy games, and fiction. Less common in everyday conversation. The word evokes military cleverness and the art of outsmarting an opponent through deception.

Related Words

Synonym: 策略(さくりゃく) (stratagem (slightly less negative))

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

Related: 作戦(さくせん) (tactics, operation)

Compare: 術策(じゅっさく) (stratagem)

Compare: 術中(じゅっちゅう) (trap)

general

Added 2026.2.28 11:18 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

14000/14194_keiryaku