Subject + 打算 + Verb
Reach for this when you want to say someone PLANS to do something — not a wish, not a maybe, but a real intention they have already formed. 打算 sits between the subject and the verb that names the planned action. It pairs naturally with everyday topics (travel, study, work) and is much more conversational than 计划. If the plan has not been carried out yet, 打算 is exactly the word to use; if it already happened, switch to 决定 + 了 or just narrate it.
Structure
[SUBJECT] 打算 [VERB] [REST]。
dǎsuàn
How to Think About It
打算 is the 'intention' verb: it announces a decision, not a guess. Whatever follows it is the action the speaker has already made up their mind to do. Because the plan is still in the future, you never put 了 directly on 打算 unless the plan itself has changed — you put time-and-completion markers on the inner action verb instead.
Examples
我打算明年去日本旅行。
Wǒ dǎsuàn míngnián qù Rìběn lǚxíng.
I plan to travel to Japan next year.
你周末打算做什么？
Nǐ zhōumò dǎsuàn zuò shénme?
What do you plan to do this weekend?
他不打算换工作。
Tā bù dǎsuàn huàn gōngzuò.
He doesn't plan to change jobs.
Common Mistake
Learners turn 打算 into a noun and stick 的 after it ('我的打算去...'). 打算 is a verb here, so the verb of the planned action follows directly with no 的.
我的打算去北京。
我打算去北京。
Don't Confuse With
计划
计划 is more formal and often involves a written or detailed plan. 打算 is conversational, suitable for everyday intentions.
想 + Verb
想 is 'would like to / feel like.' It can be a daydream. 打算 means you have actually decided to do it.
要 + Verb
要 expresses a near-future action with strong will ('I'm going to'). 打算 emphasizes the planning stage, often still negotiable.
Practice
Fill in the blank: 我 ___ 算下个月搬家。
Show answer
打
Fill in the verb after 打算: 她打算 ___ 中文。(study)
Show answer
学
Arrange into a sentence: 打算 / 我 / 一辆 / 买 / 车
Show answer
我打算买一辆车。
Translate to Chinese: They plan to open a new store in Shanghai.
Show answer
他们打算在上海开一家新店。
Write a sentence about something you plan to do this year using 打算.
Show answer
我今年打算考完HSK五级。
Hear It in Real Episodes
This pattern appears in 1 Fluentide episode: