调节

• Pinyin: tiáo jié
• Hanzi breakdown: 调 = 讠(speech) + 周 (complete), harmonize/adjust; 节 = 艹 (grass) + 即, joint/control

Meaning

To regulate; to adjust; to control or modulate.

Used for making adjustments to achieve optimal conditions or balance. Common in technical contexts (调节温度 adjust temperature), biological processes (调节血压 regulate blood pressure), and emotional contexts (调节情绪 manage emotions). Implies fine-tuning rather than major changes.

Examples

1. 空调可以自动调节室内温度，保持恒温。 The air conditioner can automatically regulate indoor temperature and maintain a constant level.
2. 运动有助于调节身体的新陈代谢。 Exercise helps regulate the body's metabolism.
3. 学会调节自己的情绪是成年人必备的能力。 Learning to manage your own emotions is an essential skill for adults.

Usage Guide

Context: technical, health, psychology

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 调节音量大小。(Adjust the volume level.)
• 自我调节能力。(Self-regulation ability.)

Don't Say

• 调节问题 when resolving disputes — use 调解 for mediating conflicts; 调节 is for adjusting settings or conditions

Origin & History

Compound of 调 (to adjust/regulate) + 节 (节奏 rhythm/control), meaning to adjust and control.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal