Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Adjustment" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "adjustment", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
調整
ちょうせい (chōsei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
調節
ちょうせつ (chōsetsu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "adjustment" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 調整 and 調節.
In Japanese, 調整 (ちょうせい (chōsei)) is typically associated with "adjustment; coordination; tuning; reconciliation" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to making adjustments, tuning parameters, or coordinating schedules/interests. Often used as 日程の調整 or 調整役. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Adjustment! "I adjusted my schedule to match yours, Haruka-san!" ...っ, H-How admirable! A-Alright, I'll adjust my schedule to make time just for you too!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ちょうせい（調整）！『ハルカさんの休みに合わせて、予定を調整してきました！』って…っ, 健気じゃない！…私もあんたのためだけに、スケジュールを完璧に調整してあげるわ！』.
On the other hand, 調節 (ちょうせつ (chōsetsu)) maps to "adjustment, regulation, control" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 物の状態や量を適切なレベルにするために、部分的に変更を加えること。エアコンの温度や音量など、機能的なものに対して使われることが多いです。. A literal translation of "adjustment" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "調整"
会議のスタート時間が他部署のメンバーと重複してしまったため、スケジュール担当者が急いで日程の_______に入りました。
Because the start time of the meeting duplicated with the members of other departments, the schedule coordinator quickly went into the adjustment of the schedule.
Bilingual Context for "調節"
エアコンの温度を調節してください。
Please adjust the air conditioner's temperature.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議のスタート時間が他部署のメンバーと重複してしまったため、スケジュール担当者が急いで日程の_______に入りました。" (Meaning: "Because the start time of the meeting duplicated with the members of other departments, the schedule coordinator quickly went into the adjustment of the schedule.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "調整" fits here because it means "adjustment; coordination; tuning; reconciliation" in the context of: "Because the start time of the meeting duplicated with the members of other departments, the schedule coordinator quickly went into the adjustment of the schedule.". "調節" represents "adjustment, regulation, control".