investigate / tone
N3- Onyomi
- チョウ
- Kunyomi
- しら(べる)
- Stroke count
- 15
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 調 down and you get 言 (speech / words) — words rising out of an open mouth, and beside it 周 (all around / circuit) — a plot of land walled in on every side, the boundary running the whole way round. Picture a ring of even marks with a line of questioning travelling the whole way round it, put 調 inside it, and let that scene stand for "investigate" — investigate / tone. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 15
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は15画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 15 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
調整
chousei
adjustment
調査
chousa
investigation
順調
junchou
smooth
調達
choutatsu
procurement
調印
chouin
signing (treaty)
調節
chousetsu
adjustment
Example sentences (5)
お客様と日程を調整しています。
おきゃくさま と にってい を ちょうせい しています。
okyakusama to nittei o chousei shiteimasu.
I am coordinating the schedule with the client.
来週なら調整できますので、都合のいい日を教えてください。
らいしゅう なら ちょうせい できます ので、つごう の いい ひ を おしえて ください。
raishuu nara chousei dekimasu node, tsugou no ii hi o oshiete kudasai.
I can adjust things if it is next week, so please tell me a convenient day.
市場について調査しています。
しじょう について ちょうさ しています。
shijou nitsuite chousa shiteimasu.
We are researching the market.
調査の結果によって、次の計画を決めることになっています。
ちょうさ の けっか に よって、つぎ の けいかく を きめる こと に なっています。
chousa no kekka ni yotte, tsugi no keikaku o kimeru koto ni natteimasu.
The next plan is to be decided based on the results of the investigation.
プロジェクトは順調に進んでいます。
ぷろじぇくと は じゅんちょう に すすんでいます。
purojekuto wa junchou ni susundeimasu.
The project is progressing smoothly.