Translation guide
Expresses a state of agreement, balance, or peaceful coexistence. Japanese often uses verbs or adjectives describing matching, fitting, or blending rather than a single direct equivalent.
Describing people, groups, or relationships that are free of conflict and work well together.
The most common way to say people get along well. Literally 'relationship is good'.
あの二人はとても仲がいい。
Those two get along really well.
The concept of harmony, peace, and unity, especially in a group. Often used in compound words.
家族の和を大切にする。
I value family harmony.
To manage to get along, to make things work smoothly in a relationship or situation.
新しい同僚とうまくやっていけるか心配だ。
I'm worried about whether I can get along with my new colleague.
Describing things that go together aesthetically, functionally, or conceptually.
To be in harmony, to harmonize. Used for colors, sounds, elements in a design, or abstract concepts.
この色は壁紙と調和している。
This color is in harmony with the wallpaper.
To match, to suit, to go well together. Very common for clothes, accessories, food pairings, etc.
このネクタイはそのシャツに合う。
This tie goes well with that shirt.
Loanword from English 'match'. Casual and common for things that go together visually or functionally.
その靴とバッグ、すごくマッチしてるね。
Those shoes and bag really match, don't they?
To blend in, to melt into the surroundings. Used when something becomes part of the environment harmoniously.
Describing thoughts, statements, or actions that are consistent and not contradictory.
To agree, to be in accord, to match (opinions, results). Emphasizes exact correspondence.
彼らの意見は完全に一致している。
Their opinions are in complete harmony.
To be consistent, to make sense, to add up. Often used for stories, alibis, or logical coherence.
彼の話はつじつまが合わない。
His story doesn't add up (isn't in harmony).
Specifically referring to musical notes sounding pleasant together.
Direct loanword for musical harmony. Widely understood.
彼女たちのハーモニーは美しい。
Their harmony is beautiful.
Musical chord; a combination of notes. More technical term.
The English phrase 'be in harmony' covers many situations, but Japanese uses different words for people getting along, things matching, or ideas agreeing. Using 調和する for personal relationships sounds unnatural.
その建物は自然に溶け込んでいる。
The building blends in with nature.
This chord sounds dissonant.