调 — meaning in English: Adjust

diào · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for tune

调

diào

守护者

shǒuhù zhě

能力

nénglì

激情

jīqíng

想象

xiǎngxiàng

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Mandarin Chinese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 调 when discussing adjustments in various contexts, such as tuning a musical instrument, modifying a recipe, or altering settings on an electronic device. For instance, one might say '我需要调一下音量' (I need to adjust the volume) when referring to a sound system.

Synonyms & nuances

调 (diào) is often used in practical scenarios involving adjustments, while 改 (gǎi) leans more toward changes or alterations in plans or ideas. Choose 调 when the context is about fine-tuning or adjustments that require precision.

Culture

The character 调 has a rich history, originally denoting the act of 'tuning' or 'regulating' in ancient texts. It's fascinating to note that this word symbolizes a connection between various arts, from music to culinary practices, reflecting the Chinese appreciation for harmony and balance in both sound and flavor.

FAQ

Q.What are some examples of using 调 in sentences?

You can use 调 in various contexts like: '他正在调音' (He is tuning the sound) or '我需要调这个设置' (I need to adjust this setting).

Q.Is 调 used in formal writing?

Yes, 调 can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In technical documents, for example, it's common to see 调 when discussing adjustments in measurements or specifications.

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 调?

A common mistake is confusing 调 with other similar words. Remember that 调 specifically implies a fine-tuning or adjustment, whereas words like 改 may indicate a broader change.

Learn mandarin chinese with Maspeak →

Chinese (Mandarin) 2000