计划(jìhuà) and 打算(dǎsuàn) both can be used as nouns and verbs. They generally translate to “plan” or “intend” in English.
The differences
1. As Verbs
Verb + Object
计划(jìhuà):
计划’s object can be a verb phrase or a noun phrase. It typically refers to a well-defined objective or task with specific steps and measures that need to be implemented. It suggests a more formal, detailed, and structured planning process.
计划 + Verb Phrase / Noun Phrase
e.g.
我们计划明年夏天去欧洲旅行。 (Wǒmen jìhuà míngnián xiàtiān qù Ōuzhōu lǚxíng.) We plan to travel to Europe next summer.
公司计划投资新的科技项目。 (Gōngsī jìhuà tóuzī xīn de kējì xiàngmù.) The company plans to invest in a new technology project.
老师们正在计划下一学期的课程安排。 (Lǎoshīmen zhèngzài jìhuà xià yī xuéqí de kèchéng ānpái.) The teachers are currently planning the curriculum for the next semester.
打算(dǎsuàn):
打算 usually takes a verb phrase as its object. It implies a more informal intention or idea, which might not be accompanied by detailed or concrete measures.
打算 + Verb Phrase
e.g.
我打算有时间就去爬山。 (Wǒ dǎsuàn yǒu shíjiān jiù qù páshān.) I plan to go hiking when I have time.
他打算学习一门新语言。 (Tā dǎsuàn xuéxí yī mén xīn yǔyán.) He intends to learn a new language.
你打算怎么庆祝你的生日？ (Nǐ dǎsuàn zěnme qìngzhù nǐ de shēngrì?) How do you intend to celebrate your birthday?
Negation form
不(bù) can be used to negate 打算, indicating a lack of intention. But we don’t usually use 不(bù) with 计划.
不 + 打算
不 + 计划
e.g.
我不打算请他们吃饭。(Wǒ bù dǎsuàn qǐng tāmen chīfàn.) I’m not going to treat them to dinner.
我不打算跟她求婚。(Wǒ bù dǎsuàn gēn tā qiúhūn.) I’m not going to propose to her.
结婚以后，我们不打算住在一起。(Jiéhūn yǐhòu, wǒmen bù dǎsuàn zhù zài yīqǐ.) After we get married, we don’t plan to live together.
Progressive Aspect
When indicating the planning process is ongoing, we use “正在计划” (zhèngzài jìhuà) instead of “正在打算” (zhèngzài dǎsuàn).
正在 + 计划
正在 + 打算
e.g.
团队正在计划如何提高工作效率。 (Tuánduì zhèngzài jìhuà rúhé tígāo gōngzuò xiàolǜ.) The team is currently planning how to improve work efficiency.
市政府正在计划建设新的公园。 (Shìzhèngfǔ zhèngzài jìhuà jiànshè xīn de gōngyuán.) The city government is currently planning to construct a new park.
我们正在计划家庭假期的细节。 (Wǒmen zhèngzài jìhuà jiātíng jiàqī de xìjié.) We are currently planning the details of our family vacation.
2. As nouns
Verbs like “制定” (zhìdìng) or “实施” (shíshī) can be used with 计划, but not with 打算. This difference underscores that 计划, as a noun, often refers to a more formal, structured plan that can be formulated or implemented, whereas 打算 lacks this level of formality and structure.
e.g.
学校准备实施新的教学计划。(Xué jiào zhǔnbèi shíshī xīn de jiàoxué jìhuà.) The school is preparing to implement a new teaching plan.
实施计划的过程中，我们发现了一些意想不到的挑战。 (Shíshī jìhuà de guòchéng zhōng, wǒmen fāxiànle yīxiē yìxiǎng bùdào de tiǎozhàn.) In the process of implementing the plan, we encountered some unexpected challenges.
新领导们制定了年度计划。(Xīn lǐngdǎomen zhìdìngle niándù jìhuà.) New leaders create annual plans.
我们需要仔细制定计划，才能成功举办这次活动。 (Wǒmen xūyào zǐxì zhìdìng jìhuà, cáinéng chénggōng jǔbàn zhè cì huódòng.) We need to carefully formulate a plan to successfully hold this event.
Summary
计划 is more formal and structured, typically involving detailed planning and actionable steps. In contrast, 打算 is more informal and conceptual, often referring to intentions or ideas that may not yet be fully developed into concrete plans.
Exercise
