Keywords: 调节, tiaojie, how to use tiaojie, tiaojie meaning, Chinese word for regulate, adjust in Chinese, tune in Chinese, regulate body, adjust temperature, mediate a conflict, HSK 4 vocabulary.
Summary: Learn the versatile Chinese word 调节 (tiáojié), which means to adjust, regulate, or tune. This comprehensive guide covers how to use `tiáojié` to talk about everything from adjusting the air conditioner and regulating your body's balance in Traditional Chinese Medicine, to mediating a dispute. Master `tiáojié` to sound more natural when discussing control, balance, and fine-tuning in Chinese.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): tiáojié
Part of Speech: Verb
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: To adjust, regulate, or tune something to achieve a desired state or balance.
In a Nutshell: Think of `调节` as turning a dial. It's not just a random change, but a purposeful adjustment to bring something into a state of harmony, proper function, or comfort. It implies fine-tuning a system—whether it's a machine, your body's internal state, your emotions, or even a relationship between people—to get it “just right.”
Character Breakdown
调 (tiáo): This character means “to adjust,” “to mediate,” or “to tune.” It's composed of the “speech” radical (讠) and a component (周) that suggests “all-encompassing.” The combination evokes the idea of using words or actions to bring different elements into a well-ordered, harmonious state.
节 (jié): Featuring the “bamboo” radical (竹) on top, this character's original meaning was the “joint” or “node” on a stalk of bamboo. This extended to mean a segment, a rhythm, a point of control, or moderation. It carries the sense of controlled segments or levels.
Together, 调节 (tiáojié) literally means “to adjust the nodes” or “to tune the rhythm.” This combination beautifully captures the idea of making controlled adjustments to a system to ensure it operates smoothly and in balance.
Cultural Context and Significance
The concept of `调节` is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, particularly in philosophy and medicine. It's the active verb for achieving 和谐 (héxié) - harmony, a cornerstone of Chinese thought.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a doctor's primary goal is not to “kill” a disease but to `调节` the body's systems. This involves balancing the `阴 (yīn)` and `阳 (yáng)`, and ensuring the smooth flow of `气 (qì)`. A prescription of herbs or acupuncture is seen as a tool to help the body `调节` itself back to equilibrium.
Comparison to Western Concepts: In the West, we often think in terms of “fixing” a problem. If a machine is too hot, we might say we need to “fix” it. In Chinese, you would `调节` the temperature. “Fixing” (`修理 xiūlǐ`) implies something is broken. `调节` implies a perfectly functional system that just needs to be fine-tuned. This reflects a more holistic, preventative, and balance-oriented worldview compared to a “problem-solution” mindset. It's about continuous maintenance, not just one-time repairs.
Practical Usage in Modern China
`调节` is a common and practical word used in various formal and informal contexts.
Technical/Mechanical: This is the most frequent usage. It's used for any device with settings that can be adjusted.
Adjusting temperature, volume, brightness, focus, speed, etc.
Example: `调节空调 (tiáojié kōngtiáo)` - to adjust the air conditioner.
Biological/Physiological: Refers to the body's natural regulatory functions or conscious efforts to regulate one's health or emotions.
Example: `调节情绪 (tiáojié qíngxù)` - to regulate one's emotions.
Example: `身体的自我调节能力 (shēntǐ de zìwǒ tiáojié nénglì)` - the body's self-regulation ability.
Social/Economic: Used in more formal contexts to mean “to mediate” or “to regulate” a system.
Example: `调节矛盾 (tiáojié máodùn)` - to mediate a conflict.
Example: `国家调节市场价格 (guójiā tiáojié shìchǎng jiàgé)` - the state regulates market prices.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
外面太热了，请把空调的温度调节一下。
Pinyin: Wàimiàn tài rè le, qǐng bǎ kōngtiáo de wēndù tiáojié yīxià.
English: It's too hot outside, please adjust the air conditioner's temperature.
Analysis: A classic, everyday use of `调节` for a mechanical device. The `一下 (yīxià)` softens the request.
English: One of the main functions of a reservoir is to regulate the river's flow to prevent floods.
Analysis: An environmental/engineering example, where `调节` means controlling a natural system.
Example 10:
演讲者根据观众的反应调节了自己的语速。
Pinyin: Yǎnjiǎngzhě gēnjù guānzhòng de fǎnyìng tiáojié le zìjǐ de yǔsù.
English: The speaker adjusted their speaking speed according to the audience's reaction.
Analysis: This shows `调节` as a dynamic, responsive action—fine-tuning in real time.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`调节 (tiáojié)` vs. `调整 (tiáozhěng)`: This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
`调节 (tiáojié)` emphasizes regulating a system to achieve a dynamic balance or optimal state. Think of a thermostat constantly working. It's about function and harmony.
`调整 (tiáozhěng)` emphasizes making a discrete change, shift, or rearrangement. It's often a one-time action to adapt to a new situation. Think of changing a meeting time.
Correct: 你需要 `调节` 一下音量。(Nǐ xūyào tiáojié yīxià yīnliàng.) - You need to adjust the volume. (Regulating a setting).
Correct: 我们需要 `调整` 一下计划。(Wǒmen xūyào tiáozhěng yīxià jìhuà.) - We need to adjust the plan. (Rearranging the contents).
Incorrect: 我们需要 `调节` 一下计划。(This sounds strange, as a plan isn't a dynamic system you regulate like temperature).
Don't use `调节` for “fixing” something broken. If your phone screen is cracked, you need to `修理 (xiūlǐ)` it, not `调节` it. `调节` implies the object is fundamentally working but just needs to be tuned.
Related Terms and Concepts
`调整 (tiáozhěng)` - To adjust, rearrange. A close cousin of `调节`, but focuses more on making specific changes to a state, plan, or position rather than regulating a system.
`控制 (kòngzhì)` - To control. Much stronger than `调节`, implying direct command and power over something.
`平衡 (pínghéng)` - Balance, equilibrium. This is often the goal of the action of `调节`. You `调节` something to achieve `平衡`.
`改善 (gǎishàn)` - To improve, to make better. This is a broader term. `调节` is one way to `改善` a situation.
`管理 (guǎnlǐ)` - To manage, to administer. Refers to overseeing a complex system, often involving people and procedures, whereas `调节` is more about the functional tuning of a system.
`中药 (zhōngyào)` - Traditional Chinese Medicine. The practice that most embodies the philosophy of `调节` for health.
`和谐 (héxié)` - Harmony. The cultural and philosophical ideal that the action of `调节` aims to achieve in society and life.
`节制 (jiézhì)` - To control, to check (oneself), to be temperate. Shares the character `节` and focuses on self-regulation, especially of desires or behavior.