1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “調” (chō) primarily means “to tune,” “to investigate,” or “to adjust.” It is often associated with the idea of making something harmonious or balanced, whether in music, situations, or relationships.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “調” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “metal” (金) on the right, which relates to musical instruments, and the left part, which suggests the idea of “to investigate” or “to examine.”
Radical: The radical of “調” is 金 (kin), which is associated with metal and money, reflecting its connection to music and harmony.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “調” are:
- 調和 (ちょうわ, chōwa) – harmony
- 調査 (ちょうさ, chōsa) – investigation
- 調整 (ちょうせい, chōsei) – adjustment
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 音楽の調和を大切にしています。 (おんがくのちょうわをたいせつにしています。) – I value harmony in music.
- この問題を調査する必要があります。 (このもんだいをちょうさするひつようがあります。) – We need to investigate this issue.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “整” (せい, sei), which means “to arrange” or “to organize.” While both kanji involve the idea of adjustment, “整” focuses more on organization, whereas “調” emphasizes harmony and balance.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym for “調” could be “乱” (らん, ran), which means “disorder” or “chaos.” This represents a lack of harmony or balance.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: The concept of “調” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, particularly in music and arts, where harmony is highly valued. Traditional Japanese music often emphasizes the importance of tuning instruments to achieve a balanced sound.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “調和のとれた生活” (ちょうわのとれたせいかつ, chōwa no toreta seikatsu), which means “a balanced life.” This reflects the cultural importance of maintaining harmony in various aspects of life.