筹划

• Pinyin: chóu huà
• Hanzi breakdown: 筹 = ⺮ (bamboo) + 寿 (phonetic) = to plan; 划 = 戈 (weapon) + 刂 (knife) = to plan/draw

Meaning

To plan; to scheme; to devise a strategy; planning.

Refers to strategic planning, especially for complex projects or endeavors. Can be used as both verb and noun. More formal than 计划, implies careful consideration.

Examples

1. 他正在筹划一次环球旅行。 He's planning a round-the-world trip.
2. 这个项目需要周密的筹划。 This project requires meticulous planning.
3. 她筹划了很久才下定决心辞职创业。 She planned for a long time before deciding to quit and start her own business.

Usage Guide

Context: business, projects, strategy

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们需要仔细筹划这次产品发布。(We need to carefully plan this product launch.)
• 经过精心筹划，活动取得了圆满成功。(Through careful planning, the event was a complete success.)

Don't Say

• 筹划明天穿什么 (Too formal for daily decisions — use 想 or 考虑)

Origin & History

Compound of 筹 (to plan/calculate) and 划 (to plan/draw). Both elements emphasize planning and strategy.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal