目論見

• Reading: もくろみ
• Romaji: mokuromi
• Kanji breakdown: 目 (moku/me) — eye, aim; 論 (ron) — reason, discuss; 見 (ken/mi) — see, observe
• Pronunciation: /mo̞kɯɾo̞mi/

Meaning

Plan; scheme; calculated intention; expected outcome.

A noun referring to a deliberate plan or scheme, often with strategic self-interest. Used in both neutral (a business plan) and negative (a hidden scheme) contexts. Commonly appears as 目論見通りに (as planned, according to scheme) or 目論見が外れる (the plan fails, things do not go as expected). Formal and slightly literary.

Examples

1. 彼の目論見通りに事が進んだのは偶然ではなかった。 It was no coincidence that things proceeded exactly according to his plan.
2. 投資の目論見が外れ、大きな損失を被ってしまった。 The investment scheme fell through, and he suffered major losses.
3. 巧みな目論見のもと、彼女は交渉を有利に進めた。 Under a shrewd plan, she steered the negotiations in her favor.

Usage Guide

Context: business, politics, literary, strategy

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 目 (eye, aim), 論 (to reason, survey), and 見 (to see). The original meaning was to survey or sketch a plan with one's eyes; it later extended to mean a mental plan or calculated scheme.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated