JLPT N4 6 min read Updated May 17, 2026 Grammar pattern

予定だ

be scheduled to; plan to

Learn how to use 予定だ, a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar point meaning be scheduled to; plan to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

Meaning
be scheduled to; plan to
Pattern
予定だ
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JLPT grammar
JLPT
N4

予定だ means be scheduled to; plan to. It is a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar pattern used to express this idea in natural Japanese.

This English meaning is chosen independently from the source-list gloss so it stays natural, concise, and useful for learners searching for 予定だ.

What does 予定だ mean?

Use 予定だ when you want to express be scheduled to; plan to in a Japanese sentence.

Natural translations include:

  • be scheduled to; plan to
  • be scheduled to
  • plan to

How to form 予定だ

Verb (dictionary form) + 予定だ
Noun + + 予定だ

Examples of the pattern:

  • Verb dictionary form + 予定だ / noun + の予定だ
  • 予定だ
  • related form: つもり

When is 予定だ used?

Use 予定だ in situations like:

  • reading or writing JLPT N4-level sentences
  • making a sentence more precise than a basic N5 pattern
  • recognizing natural grammar in conversation, signs, or short passages

Tone and register:

  • usually neutral unless the pattern itself is casual, formal, or written
  • common in JLPT N4 grammar study and everyday Japanese

予定だ example sentences

来週らいしゅう日本にほん予定よていです。
I am scheduled to go to Japan next week.
schedule
会議かいぎ三時さんじはじまる予定よていです。
The meeting is scheduled to start at three.
polite
明日あした友達ともだち予定よていです。
I plan to meet a friend tomorrow.
plan
旅行りょこう来月らいげつ予定よていです。
The trip is planned for next month.
noun
この仕事しごと今日きょうわる予定よていです。
This work is scheduled to finish today.
work

Nuance of 予定だ

The key nuance is be scheduled to; plan to in context, not a word-for-word English replacement.

This matters because 予定だ can express ability, comparison, intention, appearance, effort, or difficulty depending on the surrounding sentence. Read the whole sentence before choosing the English translation.

予定だ vs つもり

Both patterns can appear in related sentences, but they do different jobs.

予定だ
be scheduled to; plan to
The target JLPT N4 pattern that focuses on a fixed schedule or arrangement.
来週らいしゅう日本にほん予定よていです。
I am scheduled to go to Japan next week.
vs
つもり
intend to; plan to
Useful for comparison because learners often confuse nearby forms; may change the tone, direction, evidence, or sentence focus.

Quick contrast examples:

  • Target pattern: 来週らいしゅう日本にほん予定よていです。 — I am scheduled to go to Japan next week.
  • Related pattern with つもり: compare what changes in difficulty, comparison, intention, appearance, or certainty.

Common mistakes with 予定だ

Copying a dictionary gloss without checking the sentence context
Read the whole sentence before choosing the English translation
Using the wrong verb, adjective, or noun form
Attach the dictionary form of the verb or a noun with の before 予定だ
Confusing 予定だ with つもり because the English can sound similar
Choose 予定だ for scheduled arrangements and つもり for personal intention

Is 予定だ on the JLPT?

N4

Yes. 予定だ is connected to JLPT N4 grammar in this blog.

  • recognize it in reading
  • understand its nuance in context
  • use it in simple original sentences

Practice questions for 予定だ

1 Write one short sentence using the basic structure. basic
2 Replace the subject, time, or object and keep the same grammar point. variation
3 Compare your sentence with the related pattern above. compare

Learning path for 予定だ

1
Write one sentence that uses 予定だ in its most literal meaning.
2
Write a second sentence that changes the subject or time expression.
3
Compare 予定だ with にする and notice how the nuance changes.
4
Contrast it with くする or ようと思う.
5
Write a final sentence that contrasts 予定だ with one of the related patterns below.
  • にする — connects to change, decision, planning, or effort over time.
  • くする — connects to change, decision, planning, or effort over time.
  • ようと思う — connects to change, decision, planning, or effort over time.
  • 意向形 — connects to change, decision, planning, or effort over time.

Learn 予定だ with Hane

If you want to review 予定だ together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:

FAQ about 予定だ

What does 予定だ mean in Japanese?

予定だ means “be scheduled to; plan to” in Japanese. It is an N4 grammar point, and this lesson explains its formation, nuance, example sentences, common mistakes, and similar grammar.

Is 予定だ on the JLPT?

予定だ is taught as N4 Japanese grammar in Hane's grammar lesson archive. Review it with examples, usage notes, and related N4 patterns.

How should I practice 予定だ?

Read several example sentences, identify the form before and after 予定だ, then make your own short sentences and compare it with nearby grammar points.

Practice this with Hane
Drill 予定だ until it’s automatic.

Short, focused iOS sessions for grammar, kanji, vocabulary, reading, and JLPT review. Use this lesson with the JLPT prep app and the Japanese learning app overview.

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