そういう魂胆か (sou iu kontan ka): The ultimate trick to 'see through' someone's scheme 😈

Have you ever been in this situation?

Your roommate is suddenly unusually nice, cleaning the room spotless. You're touched, then they whisper: "By the way, can I borrow your car this weekend?" 🚗

In the moment you realize this "act," the phrase that pops into a Japanese person's head is: 「そういう魂胆（こんたん）か！」

This is a super practical phrase that textbooks rarely teach, helping you express the feeling of "Ah, so that's your little scheme!" in an impressive way.

What's so 'sinister' about 魂胆 (kontan)? 🤔

The word 魂胆 (kontan) isn't just "plan" (計画) or "intention" (意図). It carries a slightly negative nuance, referring to a dark intention, a conspiracy, a not-so-innocent purpose hidden behind a seemingly good action.

In other words, when you use そういう魂胆か！, you're saying:

"So that's it! No wonder you were suddenly so... Turns out there was a purpose all along! I see right through you!"

Classic "scheme-busting" scenarios 🎬

This phrase can be used jokingly with friends, or muttered to oneself in a work environment.

1. With friends (can be said directly)

You're hanging out and eating, and a friend suddenly starts complimenting you excessively:

• A: 「いやー、Bは本当に物知りだよね！マジ尊敬するわ！」 (Wow, B, you really know a lot! I seriously respect you!)
• B: 「え、そう？急にどうしたの？（笑）」 (Oh, really? What's with the sudden praise? (laughs))
• A: 「でさ、来週のレポート、ちょっと手伝ってくれないかなって…」 (So, about next week's report, I was wondering if you could help me a bit...)
• B: 「そういう魂胆か！ なるほどね！」 (So that was the scheme! I see now!) 😂

2. At work (usually just thought to oneself 🤫)

Another department suddenly praises your team excessively. You should be on guard immediately!

(In your head 🧠) 「急に褒めてくるな…何か裏があるな。…あ！あの面倒な案件をうちに押し付けたいんだな。そういう魂胆か…」 (They're suddenly praising us... There must be something behind it. ... Ah! They want to push that troublesome project onto us. So that's their scheme...)

Key point to remember 🔑

• Nuance: Slightly negative, with a sense of "exposing" or "unmasking."
• Audience: Be careful when using it with superiors or people you're not close to, as it can be considered rude or accusatory. It's safest to use it jokingly with friends or to think it to yourself.
• Timing: Use it the moment you realize the other person's true intention.

Next time someone is "unusually nice," try using this そういう魂胆か trick to see if you can "see through" them! 😉