The Chinese word 打算 (dǎsuan)

 The Chinese word 打算 (dǎsuan) is a very common and versatile verb that primarily means "to plan," "to intend," or "to propose." It can also sometimes function as a noun meaning "plan" or "intention."

Here's a breakdown of how to use 打算 in Chinese sentences, with examples:

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I. As a Verb: To Plan / To Intend / To Propose

This is the most frequent usage. It indicates a future intention or a course of action one has decided upon.

1. 打算 + Verb Phrase (most common)

This structure expresses what one plans or intends to do.

• 我打算去中国学习。 (Wǒ dǎsuan qù Zhōngguó xuéxí.)
  • I plan to go to China to study.
• 你打算什么时候回家？ (Nǐ dǎsuan shénme shíhou huí jiā?)
  • When do you plan to go home?
• 她打算辞职。 (Tā dǎsuan cízhí.)
  • She intends to resign.
• 我们打算明天去看电影。 (Wǒmen dǎsuan míngtiān qù kàn diànyǐng.)
  • We plan to go to the movies tomorrow.
• 你打算怎么做？ (Nǐ dǎsuan zěnme zuò?)
  • How do you plan to do it?

2. 打算 + Noun Phrase (less common, implies "to plan for something")

While less direct, you can sometimes see this, often implying a plan for the noun.

• 我打算一份新工作。 (This sounds a bit less natural than the verb phrase, but implies "I plan for a new job.") (Wǒ dǎsuan yī fèn xīngōngzuò.)
  • I plan a new job. (More common: 我打算找一份新工作 - I plan to find a new job.)

3. Negative Form: 不打算 (bù dǎsuan) - Not plan / Not intend to

• 我今天不打算出门。 (Wǒ jīntiān bù dǎsuan chūmén.)
  • I don't plan to go out today.
• 他还不打算结婚。 (Tā hái bù dǎsuan jiéhūn.)
  • He doesn't intend to get married yet.

4. Question Form (using 吗 ma or interrogative pronouns like 什么时候 shénme shíhou):

• 你打算去吗？ (Nǐ dǎsuan qù ma?)
  • Do you plan to go?
• 你打算做些什么？ (Nǐ dǎsuan zuò xiē shénme?)
  • What do you plan to do?

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II. As a Noun: Plan / Intention (less common in modern usage, often preceded by "有什么" or "没有什么")

While 打算 primarily functions as a verb, it can sometimes be used as a noun, often in questions or negative statements, to ask about or state the existence of plans/intentions.

• 你有什么打算？ (Nǐ yǒu shénme dǎsuan?)
  • What plans/intentions do you have?
• 我没有什么特别的打算。 (Wǒ méiyǒu shénme tèbié de dǎsuan.)
  • I don't have any special plans/intentions.
• 他的打算是什么？ (Tā de dǎsuan shì shénme?)
  • What is his plan/intention?

Note: When you want to explicitly say "a plan," you'll often use other words like 计划 (jìhuà) or 主意 (zhǔyì) which are more dedicated nouns for "plan" or "idea." However, in the specific structures above, 打算 can function nominally.

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Key takeaways:

• Primary use: Verb, meaning "to plan," "to intend."
• Common structure: Subject + 打算 + Verb Phrase.
• Flexibility: It can be used for short-term daily plans or long-term life intentions.
• Less common as a noun: But possible, especially in questions about "what plans."

Practice using 打算 in different contexts, and you'll quickly get a feel for its natural usage!