目論見(もくろみ)

もくろみ
noun
plan; scheme; intention
cognition
1. plan; scheme; calculation; intention
A plan or expectation about how things will turn out, often with an undertone of strategic thinking or personal calculation. Can be neutral or carry a slightly negative nuance of scheming.
目論見(もくろみ)が外(はず)れた。
My plan didn't work out.
彼(かれ)の目論見(もくろみ)通(どお)り、事業(じぎょう)は成功(せいこう)した。
Just as he had planned, the business succeeded.
安(やす)く仕入(しい)れて高(たか)く売(う)るという目論見(もくろみ)は見事(みごと)に失敗(しっぱい)した。
The scheme of buying cheap and selling high failed spectacularly.

Usage

Often implies a calculated expectation or strategic plan. When the plan fails, the common expression is 目論見(もくろみ)が外(はず)れる. When it succeeds: 目論見(もくろみ)通(どお)り. Can carry a slightly scheming or self-interested nuance depending on context.

Common collocations

  • 目論見(もくろみ)が外(はず)れる (one's plan backfires)
  • 目論見(もくろみ)通(どお)り (as planned/calculated)
  • 目論見(もくろみ)が当(あ)たる (one's plan hits the mark)

Similar words

  • 計画(けいかく): plan — neutral, formal, without the strategic or self-interested nuance
  • 企(たくら)み: scheme, plot — stronger negative nuance, implies deceit
  • 算段(さんだん): strategy, plan — similar to 目論見(もくろみ) but more colloquial

Related Words

Synonym: 計画(けいかく) (plan (neutral))
Compare: 企(たくら)み (scheme, plot)
general
Added 2026.3.14 8:57 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
16500/16566_mokuromi