目論む

• Reading: もくろむ
• Romaji: mokuromu
• Kanji breakdown: 目 (moku/me) — aim, goal, eye; 論 (ron/ro) — reasoning, plan (irregular reading in this compound)
• Pronunciation: /mo.kɯ.ɾo.mɯ/

Meaning

To plan; to scheme; to plot; to intend secretly. Often implies a cunning or calculated purpose.

A Group 1 (godan) verb. The reading もくろむ is an irregular kun reading of this kanji compound. Carries an undertone of covert intent or scheming — it is used neutrally for planning in some contexts but often implies that the planner is hiding their true aims. A staple of literary and journalistic N1 writing.

Examples

1. 会社の乗っ取りを目論む人物が株を大量に買い集めた。 A person scheming to take over the company bought up large amounts of stock.
2. 彼が何かを目論んでいることは表情から明らかだった。 It was obvious from his expression that he was plotting something.
3. 密かに反乱を目論んだ首謀者が逮捕された。 The ringleader who had secretly plotted a rebellion was arrested.

Usage Guide

Context: schemes, politics, business, literature

Tone: suspicious

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 目 (aim, goal) and 論 (reasoning, plan) combine with okurigana む to express the act of forming a calculated aim. The reading もくろ is an archaic compound kun reading.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal