図る

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 図る is a transitive godan verb read はかる; here it means to seek or promote a desired result.
• Basic usage: Mark the intended outcome with を, as in 時間の短縮を図る and 親睦を図る.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• を marking the goal
  • In 短縮を図る, を marks shortening as the result being pursued rather than marking time itself.
• Same reading, different spellings
  • 図る here focuses on working toward a goal. It shares the reading はかる with 測る, used for measuring dimensions or amounts, and 計る, used for timing or calculating, but their spellings and focuses differ.
• No guarantee of success
  • 図る describes action aimed at a result; it does not by itself state that the result was achieved.