調子

• Reading: ちょうし
• Romaji: choushi
• Kanji breakdown: 調 (chou) — tune, adjust; 子 (shi) — abstract suffix
• Pronunciation: /tɕoː.ɕi/

Meaning

Condition; state; tune; tone. How something or someone is functioning or performing.

A versatile noun covering physical condition (体の調子, karada no choushi, physical condition), machine performance (パソコンの調子, pasokon no choushi, computer performance), musical pitch, and pace. Key expressions: 調子がいい (choushi ga ii, in good form), 調子が悪い (choushi ga warui, in bad shape), 調子に乗る (choushi ni noru, to get carried away).

Examples

1. 最近、体の調子があまり良くない。 Lately, I haven't been feeling too well physically.
2. パソコンの調子が悪くて仕事が進まない。 My computer isn't working right and I can't get any work done.
3. 試合で調子が良くて三点も取れた。 I was in great form during the game and scored three points.

Usage Guide

Context: health, daily life, sports

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 調 (chou, tune/adjust) and 子 (shi, suffix indicating abstract quality). Originally a musical term meaning pitch or key, later expanded to mean general condition or state.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal