Both 计划 (jìhuà) and 打算 (dǎsuàn) can be translated as “to plan” in English.
Their meanings often overlap, especially when they are used as verbs. However, they usually emphasize different things:
-
打算
usually highlights someone’s intention or decision.
-
计划
usually highlights the plan itself and may sound more structured, deliberate, or formal.
This is a useful general rule, but it is not absolute. Let’s look at how these two words are used. 😊
1. 打算 (dǎsuàn): Intention or Decision
Use 打算 when talking about something a person, company, school, or other subject intends or has decided to do.
It is especially common in everyday conversation.
Common Structure
Subject + 打算 + Verb Phrase
Example 1
我打算周末去看电影。
I’m planning to see a movie this weekend.
This sentence focuses on the speaker’s intention. It does not tell us whether all the details have already been arranged.
Example 2
她打算毕业以后留在中国工作。
She plans to stay in China and work there after graduation.
Example 3
公司打算明年开一家新店。
The company plans to open a new store next year.
Although 打算 is often used for personal intentions, its subject does not have to be a person.
打算 as a Noun
打算 can also be used as a noun. In this use, it usually refers to someone’s intentions or ideas about what to do next.
你毕业以后有什么打算？
What are your plans after graduation?
你以后有什么打算？
What do you plan to do in the future?
2. 计划 (jìhuà): A Structured or Formal Plan
Use 计划 when presenting something as part of a more deliberate, structured, or formal plan.
A 计划 may include a goal, schedule, time frame, or several steps. However, using 计划 does not necessarily mean that every detail has already been decided.
Common Structure
Subject + 计划 + Verb Phrase
Example 1
我们计划下个月开设一门新课程。
We plan to offer a new course next month.
Example 2
公司计划今年开三家新店。
The company plans to open three new stores this year.
Example 3
我计划明年去中国学习六个月。
I plan to study in China for six months next year.
This sentence presents the idea as more deliberate and plan-oriented, but it does not necessarily mean that every arrangement has been finalized.
计划 as a Noun
计划 is also very commonly used as a noun.
这是我的学习计划。
This is my study plan.
我做了一个复习计划。
I made a study plan.
Common Combinations
学习计划 — study plan
旅行计划 — travel plan
工作计划 — work plan
教学计划 — teaching plan
制定计划 — make or formulate a plan
改变计划 — change a plan
完成计划 — complete a plan
3. Compare the Difference
Look at these two sentences:
打算
我打算明年去中国。
I plan to go to China next year.
This sentence mainly expresses the speaker’s intention.
计划
我计划明年去中国学习六个月。
I plan to study in China for six months next year.
This sentence sounds more deliberate and presents the idea as part of a clearer plan.
However, the difference is not always strict.
4. When Both Words Are Possible
In many everyday situations, both 打算 and 计划 can be used.
我打算下个月开始学游泳。
I’m planning to start learning to swim next month.
我计划下个月开始学游泳。
I plan to start learning to swim next month.
The first sentence sounds more conversational and focuses on the speaker’s intention.
The second sentence sounds slightly more formal, deliberate, or plan-oriented.
It does not necessarily mean that the second plan is more certain.
5. An Important Grammar Difference
Both words can be followed by a verb phrase:
我打算明年换工作。
I plan to change jobs next year.
我计划明年换工作。
I plan to change jobs next year.
However, 计划 can also directly take a noun phrase as its object.
我们正在计划一次旅行。
We are planning a trip.
But we normally do not say:
❌ 我们正在打算一次旅行。
Instead, say:
我们打算去旅行。
We are planning to take a trip.
So remember:
打算 + Verb Phrase
计划 + Verb Phrase
计划 + Noun Phrase
6. Quick Tip 💡
Use 打算 when you want to emphasize:
“This is what the subject intends or has decided to do.”
Use 计划 when you want to emphasize:
“This action is part of a plan.”
Example
我今晚打算早点睡。
I’m planning to go to bed early tonight.
我做了一个复习计划。
I made a study plan.
Remember
打算 usually focuses on an intention or decision and is especially common in everyday speech.
计划 usually focuses on the plan itself and may sound more structured or formal.
Their meanings can overlap, so the difference is a general tendency rather than a strict rule.
Keep this distinction in mind, and choosing between 打算 and 计划 will become much easier. 😊