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.
音量を調整してください。
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.
明るさを調節できます。
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.
時計を合わせる。
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.
新しい生活に慣れるのに時間がかかった。
It took time to adjust to the new life.
日本の気候に慣れましたか？
Have you adjusted to the Japanese climate?
More formal and often used for biological, psychological, or systemic adaptation. Can sound stiff in casual conversation.
体が高地に適応する。
The body adjusts to high altitude.
Similar to 適応する but emphasizes gradual, natural adaptation, often to environment or climate. Somewhat formal.
新しい職場に順応する。
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.
スケジュールを修正する必要がある。
We need to adjust the schedule.
文章を修正した。
I adjusted the text.
To change or alter something, often used for plans, dates, or settings. Broader than 修正する.
予定を変更してもいいですか？
Can we adjust the plan?
To make fine adjustments or tweaks. Often used in technical or detailed contexts.
デザインを微調整する。
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.
ネクタイを直す。
To adjust one's tie.
髪をちょっと直した。
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.
失恋から立ち直るために、気持ちの整理をつける必要がある。
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.
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.
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.
音量を調整する / 調節する
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.
ネクタイを直す
adjust one's tie (not 調整する)
服装を整える。
To adjust one's attire.