Definitions

tiáo (verb) to adjust; to regulate; to harmonize
diào (noun) tone; key (in music); melody
diào (verb) to transfer; to move; to investigate

Etymology

Simplified form of 調. Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "调" derives from its traditional form "調", constructed from the semantic component "言" (speech) and the phonetic component "周". This composition suggests an original connection to verbal adjustment or achieving harmony through discourse. In early usage, the character primarily conveyed meanings tied to mediating or arranging matters through language. Over time, its application extended beyond speech to include the blending of substances, the tuning of musical instruments, and the regulation of various states, thereby generalizing its core concept of adjustment and coordination.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

的温度太低了。

Kōngtiáo de wēndù tài dī le.

The air conditioner's temperature is too low.

我们需要整一下计划。

Wǒmen xūyào tiáozhěng yīxià jìhuà.

We need to adjust the plan.

他唱歌总是跑

Tā chànggē zǒngshì pǎodiào.

He always sings off-key.

公司正在查这件事。

Gōngsī zhèngzài diàochá zhè jiàn shì.

The company is investigating this matter.

老师强了考试的重要性。

Lǎoshī qiángdiàole kǎoshì de zhòngyào xìng.

The teacher emphasized the importance of the exam.

这家餐厅的格很高雅。

Zhè jiā cāntīng de gédiào hěn gāoyǎ.

This restaurant has a very elegant style.

两国同意通过谈判来停争端。

Liǎng guó tóngyì tōngguò tánpàn lái tiáotíng zhēngduān.

The two countries agreed to mediate the dispute through negotiations.

他巧妙地用了多种修辞手法。

Tā qiǎomiào de diàoyòngle duō zhǒng xiūcí shǒufǎ.

He skillfully employed a variety of rhetorical devices.