A2 Collocation Neutral 2 min de lectura

调整

To adjust

Literalmente: 调 (tiáo - to blend/adjust) + 整 (zhěng - whole/orderly)

Use it whenever you need to 'fine-tune' a situation, a plan, or even your own mood.

En 15 segundos

  • To tweak or fine-tune something for a better result.
  • Used for physical objects, schedules, and even your emotions.
  • Implies making a small change to restore order or balance.

Significado

Think of this as hitting the 'reset' or 'fine-tune' button on something. It is about making small changes to get back on the right track, whether it's your schedule, your mood, or even a chair.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Adjusting a meeting time

我们需要调整一下会议时间。

We need to adjust the meeting time a bit.

💼
2

Fixing a bike seat

我的椅子不太舒服,我调整一下。

My chair isn't comfortable; I'll adjust it.

😊
3

Feeling stressed and needing a break

我最近压力很大,需要调整心情。

I've been stressed lately; I need to adjust my mood.

💭
🌍

Contexto cultural

The concept of 'Tiǎozhěng' is deeply rooted in the Chinese pursuit of 'He' (harmony). It became widely used in the 1980s during economic reforms to describe 'readjusting' the national economy, but today it is most commonly heard in the context of work-life balance and mental health.

💡

The 'One-Minute' Rule

If a change takes less than a minute (like fixing your tie), use `调整`. If it takes a toolbox, use `修理`.

⚠️

Don't over-adjust

Avoid using `调整` for people. You adjust a plan, but you 'persuade' (`说服`) a person. Adjusting a person sounds like you're a mad scientist!

En 15 segundos

  • To tweak or fine-tune something for a better result.
  • Used for physical objects, schedules, and even your emotions.
  • Implies making a small change to restore order or balance.

What It Means

调整 (tiǎozhěng) is your go-to word for 'adjusting' or 'tweaking.' It implies that something isn't quite right yet. You are fixing it to make it perfect or orderly. It covers everything from physical objects to abstract feelings.

How To Use It

Use it like a standard verb. You can 调整 your seat at a movie. You can 调整 your plans when it rains. It often takes a direct object. For example, 调整时间 means adjusting the time. It sounds proactive and smart.

When To Use It

Use it when you need a 'fix-it' word. It works great at work for 'adjusting the strategy.' It works at the gym for 'adjusting your form.' Use it when you are jet-lagged to say you are 'adjusting your clock.' It shows you are in control of the situation.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it for major repairs. If your car engine is dead, don't say 调整. Use 修理 (xiūlǐ) instead. Also, don't use it for changing your mind entirely. If you hate the plan, don't 'adjust' it; 'change' it with 改变 (gǎibiàn). Using 调整 for a total disaster sounds a bit too optimistic!

Cultural Background

In China, balance is everything. 调整 reflects the idea of returning to a state of harmony. It’s very common in health contexts, like 调整身体 (adjusting the body). This often means eating better or sleeping more to find your 'balance' again. It’s a very positive, constructive word.

Common Variations

  • 微调 (wēitiáo): To fine-tune or make tiny adjustments.
  • 心态调整 (xīntài tiǎozhěng): Adjusting your mindset (very popular self-help phrase).
  • 调整期 (tiǎozhěng qī): An adjustment period, like after starting a new job.

Notas de uso

The phrase is highly versatile and safe to use in almost any setting. Just remember it's about 'fine-tuning' rather than 'replacing.'

💡

The 'One-Minute' Rule

If a change takes less than a minute (like fixing your tie), use `调整`. If it takes a toolbox, use `修理`.

⚠️

Don't over-adjust

Avoid using `调整` for people. You adjust a plan, but you 'persuade' (`说服`) a person. Adjusting a person sounds like you're a mad scientist!

💬

The Jet Lag Secret

Chinese people often say `调整时差` (adjusting time difference) instead of 'getting over jet lag.' It sounds much more active and disciplined!

Ejemplos

6
#1 Adjusting a meeting time
💼

我们需要调整一下会议时间。

We need to adjust the meeting time a bit.

A very common professional way to reschedule.

#2 Fixing a bike seat
😊

我的椅子不太舒服,我调整一下。

My chair isn't comfortable; I'll adjust it.

Refers to physical movement/positioning.

#3 Feeling stressed and needing a break
💭

我最近压力很大,需要调整心情。

I've been stressed lately; I need to adjust my mood.

Shows self-awareness and emotional management.

#4 Texting a friend about a change of plans
🤝

计划有变,我们要调整计划了。

Plans changed; we have to adjust the plan.

Casual and direct for group chats.

#5 A funny moment with a camera
😄

别拍!我还没调整好我的表情!

Don't take the photo! I haven't adjusted my expression yet!

Humorous way to say you aren't ready for a selfie.

#6 A boss talking about strategy
👔

我们的市场策略需要重新调整。

Our market strategy needs to be readjusted.

Formal business usage.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a camera angle.

摄影师正在___镜头的角度。

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 调整

You adjust (调整) a camera angle; you don't repair (修理) it unless it's broken.

How do you say you need to fix your mindset?

我最近状态不好,需要调整___。

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 心态

心态 (mindset) is the most common thing to 'adjust' when you feel off.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of '调整'

Informal

Adjusting a hat or a chair.

调整帽子

Neutral

Adjusting a schedule with friends.

调整时间

Formal

Adjusting national policy or strategy.

调整政策

Where to use 调整

调整 (Adjust)
🏋️

At the Gym

调整呼吸 (Adjust breathing)

💼

In the Office

调整方案 (Adjust the proposal)

🥤

With Friends

调整计划 (Adjust plans)

🧠

Mental Health

调整心态 (Adjust mindset)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes! If your shirt is crooked, you can say 调整一下衣服. It's very natural.

改变 is for a big change or transformation. 调整 is for small, corrective tweaks to something that already exists.

Not really. For seasoning food, we usually use 调味 (tiáowèi) or 加点盐 (add some salt).

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without sounding weird.

No. You adjust things, plans, or your own feelings. You cannot 调整 your boyfriend!

means tiny. So 微调 (wēitiáo) is to 'fine-tune' something very precisely.

Actually, for environments, we usually use 适应 (shìyìng - to adapt). 调整 is what you do to yourself to help you adapt.

Yes, 调整音量 (adjust volume) is perfectly correct and very common.

Definitely. Coaches often tell players to 调整状态 (adjust their state/condition) during a timeout.

Using it for 'fixing' something broken. Remember: 调整 is for improvement, 修理 is for broken things.

Frases relacionadas

改变

To change (more significant than adjust)

适应

To adapt to an environment

修改

To revise or edit (usually for text or documents)

整理

To tidy up or organize

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