打算

Using it is a breeze. Just put it right before the action you're thinking about. You can say 我打算去中国 (I plan to go to China). You can also use it as a noun to ask someone about their plans. Just ask 你有什么打算? (What plans do you have?). It’s like a Lego brick that fits anywhere in your sentence.

Use it whenever you’re chatting about the future. It’s perfect for weekend talk with friends. Use it when a colleague asks about your holiday. It’s great for texting because it’s short and clear. If you're daydreaming out loud about buying a new car, 打算 is your best friend. It signals that you've given the idea some thought.

Don’t use it for things that are 100% set in stone or happening right this second. If you are already holding a burger, don't say you 打算 to eat it—you’re already doing it! Also, for very official government 'Master Plans,' you might want a heavier word like 规划. 打算 is a bit too casual for a national budget speech.

In Chinese culture, being prepared is highly valued. However, people often use 打算 to be polite and indirect. Instead of saying 'I will definitely do this,' saying 我打算 leaves a little wiggle room. It’s a humble way to share your goals without sounding like a braggart. It shows you’ve put in the mental effort to 'calculate' your path.

If you want to sound more formal, you might hear 计划. If you're just 'thinking' about something but haven't decided, you might use 想. But 打算 sits right in the sweet spot. It’s more certain than 'thinking' but more relaxed than a 'formal plan.' It’s the Goldilocks of Chinese intention words.