不調

• Reading: ふちょう
• Romaji: fuchō
• Kanji breakdown: 不 (fu) — not, un-; 調 (chō) — tune, condition, prepare
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.t͡ɕo.ɯ/

Meaning

Bad condition; poor form; being off one's game. A state where something is not functioning properly.

A noun and adjectival noun describing when a person, body, or system is not working well: 体が不調だ (feeling unwell), エンジンが不調だ (the engine is malfunctioning). Broader than 不振 — while 不振 focuses on poor performance over time, 不調 can describe a current state of dysfunction. Often used for health, equipment, and athletic performance.

Examples

1. 最近体が不調で病院に行ってきた。 I've been feeling off lately, so I went to the doctor.
2. パソコンが不調で仕事にならない。 My computer is on the fritz and I can't get any work done.
3. エースが不調のため代わりのピッチャーが登板した。 The ace was off his game, so a relief pitcher took the mound.

Usage Guide

Context: health, sports, technology

Tone: concerned

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 不 (fu, not) + 調 (chō, tune/condition/harmony). Literally 'out of tune' — not in proper working condition.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal