案

• Reading: あん
• Romaji: an
• Kanji breakdown: 案 (an) — plan, proposal, desk
• Pronunciation: /a.n/

Meaning

Plan; proposal; idea; scheme. A thought-out suggestion for a course of action.

A noun frequently used in business, government, and academic contexts. Often appears as a suffix in compound words: 提案 (proposal), 法案 (bill/legislation), 原案 (original plan), and 代案 (alternative plan). As a standalone word, used in phrases like 案を出す (to put forward a plan) and 案の定 (as expected).

Examples

1. 新しい企画の案を出してください。 Please come up with a proposal for the new project.
2. その案は会議で承認された。 That proposal was approved at the meeting.
3. 案の定、電車が遅れていた。 Sure enough, the train was delayed.

Usage Guide

Context: business, meetings, planning

Tone: professional

Origin & History

From Chinese 案, originally meaning a desk or table, which evolved to mean a document placed on a desk for consideration, and then the plan or proposal itself.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal