方案

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 方案 is read as ほうあん and is a noun for a concrete plan or proposed method for solving a problem.
• Basic usage: Use 方案を三つ考える for devising three alternatives and 両方の方案を比較する for comparing two established options.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Counting alternatives
  • 三つ marks three distinct plans, while 両方 refers back to both of two proposals already under consideration.
• Plan versus proposing
  • 提案 can include the act of putting an idea forward, while 方案 here focuses on the concrete plan itself.