noun, noun, used as a suffix
musical key; mode
In Western music, refers to the key (e.g., ハ調 = C major). In gagaku, refers to the modal system (e.g., 平調, 盤渉調).
この曲はハ調で書かれている。
This piece is written in C major.
雅楽では、平調や盤渉調などの調が使われる。
In gagaku, modes such as hyōjō and banshikichō are used.
noun, used as a suffix
Suffix used in musical contexts to indicate time signature, tempo, or rhythmic feel (e.g., 二拍子調, 速い調).
この曲は四拍子調で演奏される。
This piece is played in four-four time.
noun, used as a suffix
Suffix used in poetry to indicate metrical pattern (e.g., 五七調 for 5-7 syllable meter).
五七調は日本の伝統的な詩の形式の一つだ。
The 5-7 meter is one of the traditional Japanese poetic forms.
noun, used as a suffix
Suffix indicating a particular style, manner, or mood (e.g., 文章調, 古調, 現代調). Often used to describe the character or flavor of something.
彼の文章は古調を帯びている。
His writing has an old-fashioned style.
この部屋は和風調のインテリアでまとめられている。
This room is decorated in a Japanese-style interior.
noun
tax in kind
Historical term for a tax paid with local products under the ritsuryō system. Rarely used outside historical contexts.
律令制では、調として絹や布が納められた。
Under the ritsuryō system, silk and cloth were paid as tax in kind.