打算 (dǎsuàn)

打算 expresses a personal plan or intention. It is followed directly by a verb phrase stating what you intend to do, and it describes plans that are not yet finalized.

Meanings

[verb] To plan; to intend; to have in mind to do.
[noun] A plan; an intention.

Example Sentences

你打算去哪儿度假？ Nǐ dǎsuàn qù nǎr dùjià? Where do you plan to go on vacation?

我打算明年去中国留学。 Wǒ dǎsuàn míngnián qù Zhōngguó liúxué. I plan to study in China next year.

他还没有打算换工作。 Tā hái méiyǒu dǎsuàn huàn gōngzuò. He hasn't planned to change jobs yet.

你有什么打算？ Nǐ yǒu shénme dǎsuàn? What are your plans?

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
有打算	have a plan
没有打算	have no plans
长远打算	long-term plan
打算做什么	plan to do what
改变打算	change one's plan

Memory Hook

打 (strike / play) plus 算 (calculate / count). You strike the abacus to count out your next move — that calculated intention is your plan.