Translation guide
The English word "scheming" refers to making secret, often devious plans. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese, from plotting and conspiring to crafty maneuvering.
To describe the act of making secret plans, often with a negative or underhanded connotation.
The most direct and common verb for scheming or plotting something bad. Often used for conspiracies or underhanded plans.
彼は何か悪いことを企んでいる。
He is scheming something bad.
二人は会社を乗っ取ろうと企んでいた。
The two were scheming to take over the company.
A more formal term for devising a scheme or maneuvering behind the scenes, often in political or business contexts.
彼らは政権奪取を画策している。
They are scheming to seize power.
Literally 'to spin a conspiracy'. A dramatic, literary expression for elaborate scheming.
王の暗殺の陰謀を巡らす者たちがいた。
There were those scheming the king's assassination.
To describe a person who is cunning, manipulative, or always thinking of clever (often selfish) plans.
An adjective meaning sly, cunning, or crafty. Implies a selfish cleverness.
彼はずる賢い奴だ。
He's a scheming guy.
あのずる賢い笑い方が嫌いだ。
I hate that scheming smile of his.
Literally 'black-bellied', meaning maliciously scheming or evil-minded. Stronger and more negative.
To describe light-hearted plotting, like planning a surprise or a prank.
Literally 'to do a bad scheme', but often used for playful mischief or pranks.
子供たちは先生にいたずらをしようと悪巧みをしている。
The kids are scheming to play a prank on the teacher.
A slightly formal verb for planning or attempting something, can be used for both serious and playful schemes.
彼らはサプライズパーティーを企てている。
They are scheming a surprise party.
English often uses 'scheming' as a gerund or noun (e.g., 'all his scheming'). Japanese typically uses verb phrases like 企むこと or 陰謀, but these can sound unnatural. Instead, rephrase using verbs or adjectives.
彼の企みはすべて失敗した。
All his scheming failed.
企む (takumu) implies a secret, often malicious plan. 計画する (keikaku suru) is neutral 'to plan'. Use 企む for scheming, 計画する for ordinary planning.
彼は旅行を計画している。
He is planning a trip. (not scheming)
Describes someone who is calculating and always acts with self-interest in mind. Less overtly malicious than ずる賢い.
彼女は計算高いところがある。
She has a scheming/calculating side.
あの笑顔の裏には腹黒い考えがある。
Behind that smile is a scheming mind.