决定 / 打算 / 希望juédìng / dǎsuàn / xīwàng

Volitional verbs: 决定 (decide), 打算 (plan), 希望 (hope)

Meaning: To decide (决定) / to plan, intend (打算) / to hope, wish (希望)

Pattern

These three HSK 3 verbs express different nuances of intention and desire before another verb phrase:
1.
决定 (juédìng - 'decide to'): expresses a firm, settled choice: 我决定明年去中国留学 (I have decided to study abroad in China next year).
2.
打算 (dǎsuàn - 'plan to / intend to'): expresses a plan or intention (also used as a noun meaning 'plan'): 你打算什么时候回家?
(When do you plan to go home?).

1
我决定明年去中国留学。
Wǒ juédìng míngnián qù Zhōngguó liúxué.
I have decided to study abroad in China next year.
2
你打算什么时候回家?
Nǐ dǎsuàn shénme shíhou huí jiā?
When do you plan to go home?
3
我希望你身体健康。
Wǒ xīwàng nǐ shēntǐ jiànkāng.
I hope you are in good health.

•决定 = firm decision; 打算 = plan/intention; 希望 = hope (can take a full clause).

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

•Confusing 决定 (verb/noun: decide / decision) with 决心 (determination / resolution).

•Remember that 希望 can take a clause with a second subject (我希望你来), whereas 打算 cannot (*我打算你来 is wrong).

Combine Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Practice, Listening, Hanzi Writing, and Mock Exams at HSK 3 to master all skills together.