調和
chōwa[t͡ɕo̞ːβ̞a̠]
The English phrase 'harmony' is translated into Japanese as 調和 (chōwa).
調和 is used to describe agreement or accord. This includes abstract contexts, such as the harmony between musical notes or colors, as well as social contexts, like the harmony between different groups.
Meaning: agreement or accord (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of two kanji: 調, which means to tune or adjust and 和, which means harmony or peace.
Which one should you use?
While 調和 refers specifically to the state of things being in balance or agreement, the single character 和 (wa) is often used to refer to peace or harmony in a broader Japanese cultural sense.
How do you pronounce it?
chōwa
Did you know?
- The character 和 (wa) also means 'sum' in a mathematical context, treating the result of addition as a form of harmony between numbers.
- The concept of 和 (wa) is so central to Japanese identity that it is the first character used in the name of the ancient kingdom of Japan, 倭 (also read as wa).
- In Japanese social contexts, achieving 調和 often involves the unspoken skill of reading the air, or 空気を読む, to maintain group balance without direct confrontation.
Examples in context
- 彼は調和と言う言葉を知らない。That guy doesn't know the meaning of the word harmony.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of 調和.Tatoeba #1336379 by Scott, translation #1336402 by Scott
- 和を保つTo maintain harmony
- 和を重んじるTo highly value harmony
- 調和のとれた生活A balanced life
- 調和を追求するTo pursue harmony
- 和やかな雰囲気A harmonious atmosphere
- 和やかな関係A harmonious relationship
- 協調性の高いグループA highly cooperative group
- 協調の精神A spirit of cooperation
- 色の調和がとても美しいです。Iro no chouwa ga totemo utsukushii desu.The harmony of the colors is very beautiful.
- 自然との調和を大切にする。Shizen to no chouwa o taisetsu ni suru.To value harmony with nature.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are discussing their project design.
- 結衣 Yuiこのデザイン、どう思う？kono dezain, dou omou?What do you think of this design?
- 陽太 Yota全体的な調和がとてもいいと思うよ。zentai-teki na chouwa ga totemo ii to omou yo.I think the overall harmony is very good.
- 結衣 Yui本当？よかった。hontou? yokatta.Really? I'm glad.
- 陽太 Yota結衣さんのセンスは抜群だね。yui-san no sensu wa batsugun da ne.Your taste is excellent, Yui.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “harmony” translations and entries 調和, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
