策划

• Pinyin: cè huà
• Hanzi breakdown: 策 = 竹 (bamboo) + 朿, strategy; 划 = 戈 + 刂, to plan

Meaning

To plan; to scheme; to organize. The act of designing and arranging an undertaking.

Can function as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to plan or organize events, projects, or activities. As a noun (策划人/策划者), it refers to a planner or organizer. Common in business, media, and event management contexts.

Examples

1. 这次活动是由市场部精心策划的。 This event was carefully planned by the marketing department.
2. 他是这个综艺节目的总策划。 He is the chief planner of this variety show.
3. 警方怀疑有人在幕后策划这起案件。 The police suspect someone planned this case from behind the scenes.

Usage Guide

Context: business, events, media

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 我们需要策划一场新产品发布会。(We need to plan a new product launch event.)
• 这个项目的策划非常周密。(The planning for this project is very thorough.)

Don't Say

• 注意'策划'可能有负面含义 (Note that 策划 can have negative connotations when used with crimes or conspiracies — 策划阴谋)

Origin & History

Compound of 策 (plan, strategy) + 划 (to plan, divide). Both characters relate to planning.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professionals