方策

• Reading: ほうさく
• Romaji: housaku
• Kanji breakdown: 方 (hou) — direction, method, way; 策 (saku) — plan, scheme, policy
• Pronunciation: /hoː.sa.kɯ/

Meaning

Plan; measure; means; scheme; policy. A strategic approach or method for addressing a problem.

A noun meaning a plan, measure, or means for addressing a problem. More formal than 方法 (houhou, method) and implies strategic planning. Often used with を講じる (wo koujiru, to take measures) or を模索する (wo mosaku suru, to search for). Common in governmental and business contexts.

Examples

1. 問題を解決するための方策を考えなければならない。 We need to think of a plan to solve the problem.
2. 政府は景気回復の方策を模索している。 The government is searching for measures to revive the economy.
3. 有効な方策がまだ見つかっていない。 An effective course of action has yet to be found.

Usage Guide

Context: government, business strategy, problem-solving

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 方 (hou, method/direction) + 策 (saku, plan/scheme). Literally 'method and plan' — a strategic approach to solving a problem.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal