Translation guide
The English word "agenda" can refer to a list of items to be discussed at a meeting, a plan of things to be done, or a hidden motive. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to the written or planned list of topics to be discussed at a meeting.
The most common and direct translation for a meeting agenda. Refers to the topics themselves.
今日の会議の議題は何ですか？
What's on the agenda for today's meeting?
その問題は議題に含まれていません。
That issue is not on the agenda.
A loanword from English, commonly used in business contexts. Often refers to the physical document or the overall plan.
アジェンダを事前に送ってください。
Please send the agenda in advance.
A formal term used in official meetings or minutes. Literally 'matters for discussion'.
協議事項は以下の通りです。
The agenda items are as follows.
Referring to a personal or organizational plan of activities, not necessarily a formal meeting.
General word for schedule or plan. Works for personal agendas.
今日の予定は何ですか？
What's on your agenda for today?
Emphasizes a deliberate plan or project.
Loanword for schedule, often used for daily or event timelines.
Referring to an underlying, often selfish, purpose behind someone's actions.
Implies a hidden intention or expectation, often used in political or business contexts.
彼には別の思惑があるようだ。
He seems to have a hidden agenda.
A secret motive, often with a negative connotation of selfishness or ulterior motive.
Literally 'hidden intention', a direct and clear way to express a secret agenda.
その提案には隠された意図があると思う。
I think there's a hidden agenda behind that proposal.
A scheming or calculating motive, often used in dramatic or literary contexts.
The loanword アジェンダ is only used for meeting agendas or schedules. It does not carry the meaning of a secret plan. Use 思惑 or 下心 instead.
予定 is a neutral schedule of events, while 計画 implies a more deliberate, often long-term plan. For a personal daily agenda, 予定 is more natural.
政府の政策計画には環境問題が含まれている。
The government's policy agenda includes environmental issues.
明日のスケジュールを確認しよう。
Let's check tomorrow's agenda.
彼の親切には下心がある。
There's a hidden agenda behind his kindness.
彼の魂胆を見抜いた。
I saw through his hidden agenda.