调
tiáo, diào
Description
这个字有两个读音，读tiáo的时候常常表示调整、使东西变得合适，比如调空调、调味道。
This character has two pronunciations; when read as 'tiáo', it often means to adjust or make something suitable, such as 调空调 (adjust the air conditioner) or 调味道 (adjust the flavor).
读diào的时候常常表示调动、调查，也可以指说话或唱歌的声调。
When read as 'diào', it often means to transfer or investigate, and can also refer to the tone in speaking or singing.
Meanings
调tiáo
to adjust; to mix; to regulate
太热了，你调一下空调吧。
It's too hot; please adjust the air conditioner.
调diào
to transfer; to move (a person or thing)
公司把他调到北京了。
The company transferred him to Beijing.
调diào
tone; tune; accent
这首歌的调很好听。
The tune of this song is very pleasant.
Related words
Notes
- Nuance
read tiáo for adjusting/mixing; read diào for transferring or tone/tune.
- Etymology
调 combines 讠(speech) with 周, originally relating to harmonizing sounds.
In videos
“就是你可以调，啊，这个书你是可以调的。”
“调料吃火锅一定要调各种蘸料”
“我要把它调的高一点”
“其他的没啥，反正没调表，也没有撞过。”
Images