Japanese word

調和

Pronunciation

Romajichōwa

Meaning

  • nounharmony

Example

音楽と映像が調和しています。on gaku to ei zō ga chō wa shi te i ma su

The music and visuals are in harmony.

Illustration for 調和 (harmony)

More examples

この庭は自然と建物の調和が美しいです。ko no niwa wa shi zen to tate mono no chō wa ga utsuku shi i de su

The harmony between nature and the buildings in this garden is beautiful.

Core concept

Describes different elements fitting together so that their differences form a balanced whole.

Common phrases

  • 調和が取れているchō wa ga to re te i ru

    be in harmony

  • 調和を図るchō wa o haka ru

    work toward harmony

  • 調和を保つchō wa o tamo tsu

    preserve harmony

  • 調和を乱すchō wa o mida su

    disturb harmony

  • 調和を求めるchō wa o moto me ru

    seek harmony

Similar words

協調kyōchō: A state in which people or groups work together peacefully and support one another.
融和yūwa: A state in which separate people or groups blend into a peaceful unity.
均衡kinkō: A balanced relation in which different parts have suitable proportions or forces.

Definition in Japanese

複数の物事の性質や状態が互いに釣り合い、全体としてまとまりのある状態。fuku sū no mono goto no sei shitsu ya jō tai ga taga i ni tsu ri a i zen tai to shi te ma to ma ri no a ru jō tai

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 調 (chō, "tune; adjust") + 和 (wa, "harmony; peace") combines adjustment with harmony to express a balanced relationship.

Usage tips

  • 調和 (chōwa) often describes how colors, sounds, designs, or social relationships fit together as a whole, not only musical harmony.

Opposites

  • 不調和fuchōwadisharmonynoun

Related words

  • 調和するchōwasuruharmonizeverb
  • 調和的chōwatekiharmoniousna-adjective

Word lists with this word