Translation guide
The English verb 'adjust' covers a range of actions from making small changes to adapting to new situations. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by meaning, from physical adjustments to abstract adaptation.
To alter a control, setting, or position slightly to achieve a desired result.
The most common and versatile verb for adjusting settings, volume, temperature, etc. Used for both physical and abstract adjustments.
Please adjust the volume.
I adjusted the air conditioner's temperature.
Similar to 調整する but often implies finer, more delicate adjustments, like tuning a dial or regulating flow.
You can adjust the brightness.
To set or match something to a standard, like adjusting a watch or aligning a schedule. Often used in compound verbs.
To adjust/set a watch.
To become accustomed to a new situation, climate, or way of life.
The most natural way to say 'get used to' or 'adjust to' a new environment, culture, or routine. Intransitive verb.
It took time to adjust to the new life.
More formal and often used for biological, psychological, or systemic adaptation. Can sound stiff in casual conversation.
The body adjusts to high altitude.
Similar to 適応する but emphasizes gradual, natural adaptation, often to environment or climate. Somewhat formal.
To adjust to a new workplace.
To modify details in a document, schedule, or calculation.
To correct or revise something, like a document, plan, or error. Implies fixing or improving.
We need to adjust the schedule.
I adjusted the text.
To change or alter something, often used for plans, dates, or settings. Broader than 修正する.
Can we adjust the plan?
To make fine adjustments or tweaks. Often used in technical or detailed contexts.
To fine-tune the design.
To straighten, fix, or arrange clothing, hair, or accessories.
General verb for fixing or adjusting something that is out of place, like straightening a tie or fixing hair.
To adjust one's tie.
I adjusted my hair a bit.
To put in order, arrange neatly. Used for adjusting appearance, posture, or surroundings.
To get used to a new emotional state or mental situation.
To sort out one's feelings, to come to terms with something emotionally. A common phrase for emotional adjustment.
I need to adjust emotionally to get over the breakup.
Also used for getting used to emotional situations, though less specific than the phrase above.
Both mean 'adjust,' but 調整する is broader and more common for general adjustments (volume, schedule, balance). 調節する often implies finer, continuous control (brightness, temperature regulation). In many cases they are interchangeable, but 調節する can sound more technical.
adjust the volume (both fine, but 調整 is more common)
English 'adjust' is often used where Japanese prefers more specific verbs like 直す (fix), 変える (change), or 慣れる (get used to). Translating 'adjust' as 調整する in every context can sound unnatural. Choose the verb that matches the specific action.
adjust one's tie (not 調整する)
Have you adjusted to the Japanese climate?
To adjust one's attire.
新しい環境に心が慣れるまで時間がかかる。
It takes time for the heart to adjust to a new environment.