plan
/plahn/
plan
This image illustrates 'plan' as a set of intentions or steps leading to a goal.
plan(Noun)
plan
?A set of intentions or steps
scheme
?A systematic plan of action
,project
?An undertaking or task
,intention
?What you aim to do
📝 In Action
¿Cuál es el plan para esta noche?
A1What's the plan for tonight?
Tenemos un plan para mejorar las ventas de la empresa.
A2We have a plan to improve the company's sales.
Mi plan es viajar por Sudamérica el próximo año.
B1My plan is to travel through South America next year.
💡 Grammar Points
It's a Masculine Noun
Even though 'plan' doesn't end in -o, it's a masculine word. Always say 'el plan' (the plan) or 'un plan' (a plan).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'la' instead of 'el'
Mistake: "La plan es bueno."
Correction: El plan es bueno. Remember that 'plan' is masculine.
⭐ Usage Tips
From Casual to Formal
You can use 'plan' for anything: asking a friend '¿Qué plan?' (What's up?/What's the plan?) or discussing a 'plan de negocios' (business plan) in a formal meeting.
This image depicts 'plan' in the sense of a visual map or layout of a city or space.
plan(Noun)
map
?Especially a city map
,layout
?The arrangement of a space
floor plan
?Architectural drawing
,diagram
?A schematic representation
📝 In Action
El arquitecto nos mostró el plan de la nueva casa.
B1The architect showed us the floor plan of the new house.
Necesito un plan de la ciudad para encontrar el hotel.
A2I need a city map to find the hotel.
⭐ Usage Tips
Visual Plans
Think of this meaning as a visual or technical 'plan'. It's often interchangeable with 'mapa' for cities or 'plano' for buildings.
This image visualizes the colloquial use of 'plan' (e.g., 'en plan tranquilo') to describe a manner, attitude, or mode.
plan(Noun)
in the style of / like
?Describing a manner or attitude
as
?e.g., 'as friends'
,in a... way
?e.g., 'in a joking way'
📝 In Action
Me lo dijo en plan de broma, no te preocupes.
B2He told it to me as a joke, don't worry.
Vamos a la playa en plan tranquilo, solo para relajarnos.
B2We're going to the beach in a relaxed mode, just to chill.
Llegó a la reunión en plan 'yo lo sé todo'.
C1He arrived at the meeting with an 'I know everything' attitude.
💡 Grammar Points
The Magic Phrase: 'en plan de...'
This is a fixed expression to talk about the 'vibe', attitude, or way something is done. It's like saying 'in the mode of...' in English.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sound like a Native (in Spain)
To sound even more natural, you can often drop the 'de'. For example, instead of 'en plan de relax', you can just say 'en plan relax'. This is very common in everyday Spanish conversation.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: plan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'plan' to mean a map or layout?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'plan' and 'plano'?
They can be confusing! 'Plan' is most often an intention or a set of steps ('What's the plan?'). 'Plano' usually refers to a technical drawing, like a blueprint or floor plan ('the architect's plans'). For a city map, you can often use either 'el plan de la ciudad' or 'el plano de la ciudad', but 'plano' can feel a bit more technical.
Is 'hacer planes' (to make plans) always plural?
Great question! You can 'hacer un plan' (make one specific plan) or 'hacer planes' (make general plans). For example, 'Hice un plan para las vacaciones' (I made a plan for the vacation) vs. '¿Hacemos planes para el sábado?' (Should we make plans for Saturday?). Both are correct, it just depends on whether you're talking about one specific idea or general arrangements.