Meanings of 調
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About 調
Podcast: 調
Podcast: 調
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AI Study Notes for 調
調 (diào, tune/adjust) vs 音 (yīn, sound) — use 調 when emphasizing the action of tuning or adjusting, while 音 refers specifically to sound itself.
Learners often confuse 調 with similar-sounding characters like 调 (tiáo), which means 'to adjust' in a different context. This word is mostly used in neutral or formal registers, especially in musical or technical contexts. Be cautious with tone; using a different tone can change the meaning entirely.
While 調 is not currently included in the HSK levels, it is useful for advanced learners as it connects to vocabulary related to music (like 音樂 yīnyuè) and adjustments (like 調整 tiáozhěng). Focus on how it is used in various phrases, especially in musical contexts.
Learners sometimes confuse 調 (diào) with the character 调 (tiáo), which can lead to misunderstandings. Remember, diào relates to music and adjustments, while tiáo is more about 'to adjust' or 'to manage'.
Pronunciation of 調
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Etymology of 調
Simplified form of 調. Phonosemantic compound. 言 represents the meaning and 周 represents the sound.
speech
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 調
Simplified form of 調. Phonosemantic compound. 言 represents the meaning and 周 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half言 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half周 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayspeech
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 調? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 調
Identify the Components
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How to say tune, melody, key; to transfer, to exchange in Chinese
“tune, melody, key; to transfer, to exchange” in Chinese is調
The character 調 (diào) primarily means 'tune' or 'melody' in the context of music. It also conveys the idea of 'to adjust' or 'to transfer,' often used in contexts like changing settings or exchanging items. This dual meaning makes it versatile in both artistic and practical conversations.
When to use 調
Learners often confuse 調 with similar-sounding characters like 调 (tiáo), which means 'to adjust' in a different context. This word is mostly used in neutral or formal registers, especially in musical or technical contexts. Be cautious with tone; using a different tone can change the meaning entirely.
調 or something close to it
調 (diào, tune/adjust) vs 音 (yīn, sound) — use 調 when emphasizing the action of tuning or adjusting, while 音 refers specifically to sound itself.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 調 (diào) with the character 调 (tiáo), which can lead to misunderstandings. Remember, diào relates to music and adjustments, while tiáo is more about 'to adjust' or 'to manage'.
Write 調
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Practice writing 調 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 調
Compound Meaning
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Frequently Asked Questions about 調
調 can mean 'tune' in a musical context or 'to adjust' in a practical sense.
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