An Arrangement, Not a Wish
予定 is a plan that exists outside your head — on a calendar, in an itinerary, agreed with someone.
- 来週出張する**予定です**。(I'm scheduled to travel for work next week.)
Two Shapes
- Verb [dictionary form] + 予定だ — 行く予定です
- Noun + の + 予定だ — 会議の予定です
予定 vs つもり
The distinction is who else knows:
| Pattern | Meaning |
|---|---|
| つもり | my intention — private, changeable |
| 予定 | an arrangement — fixed, on record |
行くつもりです is what you tell a friend. 行く予定です is what you tell your manager.
Because 予定 sounds impersonal, it is also the safer, more businesslike option.
Changes and Cancellations
- 予定が変わりました。(The plan has changed.)
- 予定通りです。(It's going according to plan.)
- 予定がありますか。(Do you have any plans?)
That last one is the natural way to ask about someone's schedule without the interrogating tone つもり can carry.
Asking Politely
- 週末、何か予定がありますか。(Do you have plans this weekend?)
Far softer than 何をするつもりですか.