Meaning
The kanji 企 (キ, くわだ・てる) means "to scheme," "to plan," "to undertake," or "to attempt." It describes the act of devising a course of action with a specific goal, whether it's a grand business venture or a subtle plot.
Its visual form provides a unique glimpse into its meaning. This ideogram combines two simpler components: 人 (ひと, person) at the top and 止 (とめる, to stop, foot) at the bottom. Traditionally, it depicts a person standing on tiptoes, peering over something, or poised to take action. This imagery—a person looking forward with intent, perhaps anticipating what's next or formulating a strategy—directly links to the idea of planning and scheming. Imagine a person using their feet (止) to stand tall (人), gaining a vantage point to look into the future and lay out a plan.
The kanji 企 has 6 strokes and is a Jōyō kanji. It's listed as a Grade 8 kanji within the Jōyō list, typically encountered by high school students (though this "grade" doesn't correspond to a specific school year). While visually simple, its conceptual depth is significant, especially in business and strategic contexts.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi of 企 is simply キ (KI). You'll find this reading frequently in compound words, particularly those related to business, projects, and intentions. It carries a more formal or administrative tone compared to its kun'yomi counterparts.
キ (KI): キ (KI) is the standard on'yomi for 企, appearing in many essential N1-level vocabulary words.
企業 (kigyō) — enterprise, business, corporation. This is one of the most common and important compounds, referring to any organized business entity, like a 大企業 (daikigyō - large corporation).
企画 (kikaku) — plan, project, scheme, planning. This word is widely used in marketing, event management, and business strategy contexts. For instance, a company might develop a 新商品企画 (shin shōhin kikaku - new product plan).
企図 (kito) — scheme, plot, attempt, intention. This term often carries a more deliberate or even slightly negative connotation of scheming, as in 犯罪企図 (hanzai kito - attempted crime).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi for 企 are native Japanese verbs describing the act of planning or scheming, emphasizing the action itself.
くわだ・てる (kuwadateru): This is the primary kun'yomi, a transitive verb meaning "to plan," "to scheme," or "to undertake." It applies to both positive and negative plans, covering a wide range of intentions.
新しい事業を企てる (atarashii jigyō o kuwadateru) — to plan a new business venture
悪事を企てる (akuji o kuwadateru) — to plot an evil deed
企て (kuwadate) — a plan, a scheme, a plot (noun form of the verb)
たくら・む (takuramu): While sometimes written with 企む, this reading specifically carries a stronger connotation of "to plot," "to conspire," or "to scheme." It often implies a secretive, cunning, or overtly negative nuance. Pay attention to its close association with 企, particularly when the intention is mischievous or malevolent.
陰謀を企む (inbō o takuramu) — to hatch a conspiracy
企み (takurami) — a plot, a scheme, a stratagem (noun form, often implying deceit)
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 企 is a foundational component in many important Japanese words, especially in business, strategy, and social interactions. Mastering these compounds is essential for N1 learners.
Business & Planning
企業 (kigyō) — enterprise, business, corporation. A fundamental term in economics and business.
企画 (kikaku) — plan, project, planning. Essential for discussing any organized endeavor, from marketing campaigns to product development (e.g., イベント企画 (ibento kikaku - event planning)).
企業家 (kigyōka) — entrepreneur, industrialist. A person who organizes and operates a business.
企業戦略 (kigyōsenryaku) — corporate strategy. The overall long-term plan of a business.
企画書 (kikakusho) — project proposal, planning document. A written plan for a project or event.
Action & Intention
企図 (kito) — scheme, plot, attempt, intention. Often used in formal or legal contexts when discussing deliberate actions.
企てる (kuwadateru) — to plan, to scheme, to undertake (verb). The active form of planning.
企み (kuwadate) — a plan, a scheme, a plot (noun). Can be neutral or slightly negative.
Aspiration & Negative Connotation
企望 (kibō) — expectation, hope, aspiration. This is a more formal term for wishing or hoping for something, though 希望 is far more common in everyday speech.
企及 (kikyū) — attempt to reach, try to attain. It often appears in the negative, such as 企及し難い (kikyūshigata-i - impossible to attain/reach).
企んでる (takuranderu) — (colloquial) plotting, scheming. The progressive form of たくらむ, often implying a mischievous or secret plan.
Example Sentences
彼は新しい事業を企てるために、綿密な計画を立てた。
Kare wa atarashii jigyō o kuwadateru tame ni, menmitsuna keikaku o tateta.
He made a meticulous plan to undertake a new business venture.
その企業は、環境保護に貢献するための企画を発表した。
Sono kigyō wa, kankyōhogo ni kōken suru tame no kikaku o happyō shita.
That company announced a project to contribute to environmental protection.
学生たちは、文化祭で斬新な企画を準備している。
Gakuseitachi wa, bunkasai de zanshin na kikaku o junbi shite iru.
The students are preparing an innovative project for the cultural festival.
その犯人は、入念に逃走を企てていたらしい。
Sono hannin wa, nyūnen ni tōsō o kuwadetete ita rashii.
It seems the culprit had carefully plotted his escape.
彼の企図は成功しなかったが、その努力は賞賛に値する。
Kare no kito wa seikō shinakatta ga, sono doryoku wa shōsan ni atai suru.
His attempt did not succeed, but his effort is worthy of praise.
競争相手は、市場での優位性を企んでいる。
Kyōsōaite wa, shijō de no yūisei o takurande iru.
Our competitor is scheming for market dominance.
私たちは新たな市場への参入を企図している。
Watashitachi wa aratana shijō e no sannyū o kito shite iru.
We are attempting to enter a new market.
政府は経済活性化のための政策を企画中だ。
Seifu wa keizai kasseika no tame no seisaku o kikakuchū da.
The government is currently planning policies for economic revitalization.
Memory Tip
To remember 企, visualize a "person" (人) standing on their "tiptoes" (止, which resembles a foot or indicates stopping) trying to peer over a wall or into the distance. This action of peering forward and anticipating what's ahead aptly captures the idea of "planning," "scheming," or "undertaking" something. They aren't just standing still; they're actively looking out, devising their next move—whether for a new business venture or a mischievous plot. Imagine a CEO (a person) looking over the competition (standing on tiptoes) to plan their next corporate strategy (企).