企图

企圖

qǐtú

verb HSK 6 #3,636

Meanings

1 to attempt; to try (with negative connotation)
2 an attempt; a plot; a scheme

Characters

to plan; to hope

to attempt; to plan; picture

Examples

他企图逃跑，但被警察抓住了。

Tā qǐtú táopǎo, dàn bèi jǐngchá zhuā zhù le.

He attempted to escape, but was caught by the police.

敌人企图占领这座城市。

Dírén qǐtú zhànlǐng zhè zuò chéngshì.

The enemy attempted to occupy this city.

她的企图很快就被识破了。

Tā de qǐtú hěn kuài jiù bèi shípò le.

Her plot was quickly seen through.

Tips

usage

企图 almost always carries a negative connotation — it implies a scheming or underhanded attempt. For neutral 'to try', use 尝试 (chángshì) or 试图 (shìtú).

usage

试图 is neutral ('to try/attempt'). 企图 is negative ('to plot/scheme').

Stroke Order

企 qǐ

图 tú