打算去

Stick a subject in front and a place after. 我打算去北京 (I plan to go to Beijing). It’s that simple. You can also add a time word. Try 下个月我打算去日本. This makes you sound organized. You can also use it to ask others about their dreams. Just add a question mark or 吗 at the end. It’s the ultimate conversation starter for travel lovers.

Use it when chatting about vacations with friends. It works great in a job interview too. You might say you plan to go to a specific branch office. Use it when you're standing in a group and deciding where to eat. It sounds polite but clear. It’s perfect for those 'What are you doing this weekend?' texts. It shows you’ve actually thought about your life for once.

Don't use it for things happening in the next five seconds. If you are already walking out the door, just say 我要去. 打算去 implies a bit of mental processing. Also, don't use it for things that aren't places. You can't 'plan to go' a book. You 'plan to read' it. If the destination is a person, you need to add 见 (to see). Don't say 我打算去你. That sounds like you're trying to teleport into them.

In China, asking about plans is a way of showing care. It’s not prying into your privacy. It’s a social lubricant. People love talking about travel because the country is so big. Using 打算 shows you are a person with goals. It reflects a culture that values preparation and foresight. Even if the plan changes tomorrow, having one is respected.

If you want to sound more casual, just use 想去 (want to go). If you are 100% committed, use 准备去 (preparing to go). For a very formal vibe, try 计划前往. But for 90% of your life, 打算去 is the sweet spot. It’s the 'Goldilocks' of planning phrases. Not too stiff, not too lazy.