Meaning of 企图
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- to attempt
- to try
- attempt
Measure word: 種|种
How to use 企图
企图 is formal and often carries a negative tone, used for attempts or plots that are bad or that fail. It works as a verb followed by another verb, or as a noun. Example: 他企图逃跑，但是被抓住了。(Tā qǐtú táopǎo, dànshì bèi zhuāzhù le.) He attempted to escape but was caught.
企 (qǐ) shows a person 人 standing on tiptoe 止, reaching for something, and 图 (tú) is a plan or map, as in 地图 (dìtú). Picture someone on tiptoe over a map, scheming a plan: that is 企图, an attempt or intention.
Common mistake: Learners use 企图 for everyday neutral tries, like trying a new dish, where 试试 (shìshi) or 尝试 (chángshì) is natural. Also say qǐ with a third tone, not qì, and do not confuse 企 with 介 (jiè).
企图 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
企 qǐ · to plan a project · 6 strokes
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- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
图 tú · diagram · 8 strokes
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- 2
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- 5
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- 8
Related words
Words that share a character with 企图.
| 地图 | dìtú | map |
| 图书馆 | túshūguǎn | library |
| 图片 | túpiàn | picture; photograph |
| 图画 | túhuà | drawing; picture |
| 企业 | qǐyè | company; firm; enterprise; corporation |
| 图案 | tú'àn | design; pattern |
| 试图 | shìtú | to attempt; to try |
| 图书 | túshū | books (in a library or bookstore) |
| 图像 | túxiàng | image; picture; graphic |
| 意图 | yìtú | intent; intention |
| 蓝图 | lántú | blueprint |
| 图表 | túbiǎo | chart; diagram |
Questions about 企图
What does 企图 mean?
企图 (qǐtú) means "to attempt; to try" and is used as a verb and noun.
How do you write 企图?
企图 is made of 2 characters: 企 (6 strokes), 图 (8 strokes). That is 14 strokes in total.
Is 企图 an HSK word?
Yes. 企图 is on the HSK 6 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 企图 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 企图 is written 企圖.
What is the difference between 企图 and 试图?
Both mean to attempt. 试图 (shìtú) is more neutral, while 企图 often suggests a hidden or improper motive, as in 企图欺骗 (qǐtú qīpiàn), to try to deceive.
How do I use 企图 as a noun?
It often appears with 有 or 的, as in 他有什么企图？(Tā yǒu shénme qǐtú?) What is he up to? Here it means a motive or scheme, usually viewed with suspicion.