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March 24, 2026
企图(企圖)qǐtú(qi3tu2)
企图 (qǐtú) refers to the act of attempting or trying to do something, often with a connotation of ambition or intent. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe efforts towards achieving a goal, sometimes implying a sense of scheming or ulterior motives.
Frequency#3636DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 企图 can reflect the traditional value placed on ambition and effort, but it may also carry a cautionary tone about the consequences of overly ambitious or cunning behaviors, reflecting societal norms around honesty.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing on tiptoes (企) trying to reach a high object (图) – their intent is clear. The character 企 represents 'to stand' or 'to plan', and 图 suggests 'plan' or 'drawing', together evoking the idea of striving for an ambitious goal.
Meanings of 企图
qǐtú(qi3tu2)
1to attempt
2to try
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 企图
企图Simplified
企圖Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3636Frequency Rank
种Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 企图
Podcast: 企图
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AI Study Notes for 企图
Quick Contrast
尝试 (chángshì) - use 企图 when the intent has a more ambitious or scheming connotation, while 尝试 is more neutral and simply means to try.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person standing on tiptoes (企) trying to reach a high object (图) – their intent is clear. The character 企 represents 'to stand' or 'to plan', and 图 suggests 'plan' or 'drawing', together evoking the idea of striving for an ambitious goal.
Usage Notes
Be cautious about the context in which you use 企图; it can carry a negative connotation if implying deceit or cunning. It's often paired with verbs like '实现' (to realize) or '完成' (to accomplish), and should be used in formal discussions or written texts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 企图 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to intention and ambition. Students should focus on its usage in various sentence structures and the subtleties of its connotation in different contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 企图 can reflect the traditional value placed on ambition and effort, but it may also carry a cautionary tone about the consequences of overly ambitious or cunning behaviors, reflecting societal norms around honesty.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 企图 with 试图 (shìtú), which is more neutral and simply means 'to try'. For example, saying '我试图做这个' (I attempt to do this) is correct, but using 企图 could imply a hidden agenda that may not be intended.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 企图
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Grammar Patterns of 企图
企图 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
一群骨干右翼参议员曾____左右自己的同僚。
A hard-core group of right-wing senators had hoped to sway their colleagues.
Example Sentences for 企图 (10)
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1
一群骨干右翼参议员曾企图左右自己的同僚。
yī qún gǔ gān yòu yì cān yì yuán zēng qǐ tú zuǒ yòu zì jǐ de tóng liáo。
A hard-core group of right-wing senators had hoped to sway their colleagues.
2
抑郁症使他不止一次地企图自杀。
yì yù zhèng shǐ tā bù zhǐ yī cì dì qǐ tú zì shā。
More than once, depression drove him to attempt suicide.
3
他企图在肉体上占有她的欲望变得一发不可收拾。
tā qǐ tú zài ròu tǐ shàng zhān yǒu tā de yù wàng biàn dé yī fā bù kě shōu shí。
His lust for her grew until it was overpowering.
4
里奥克知道那些大俱乐部一直在企图挖走安迪·沃克。
lǐ ào kè zhī dào nà xiē dà jù lè bù yī zhí zài qǐ tú wā zǒu ān dí· · wò。
Rioch knows the big clubs have been sniffing around Andy Walker.
5
老板企图玩弄他的女秘书.
lǎo bǎn qǐ tú wán nòng tā de nǚ mì shū.
The boss attempted to play with his woman secretary.
Britain was accused of trying to partition the country "because of historic enmity"
Cultural Notes for 企图
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 企图 can reflect the traditional value placed on ambition and effort, but it may also carry a cautionary tone about the consequences of overly ambitious or cunning behaviors, reflecting societal norms around honesty.
Frequently Asked Questions about 企图
No, while both suggest an attempt, 企图 often implies a more serious or ambitious intention, whereas 尝试 is more casual and implies trying something out.
Not necessarily, but it can imply ulterior motives or schemes, so context is key to its connotation.
A common phrase is 企图实现 (qǐtú shíxiàn), meaning 'to attempt to realize' or 'to strive for a goal'.
