Translation guide
The English word "tune" can refer to a melody, the act of adjusting something for optimal performance, or being in harmony. This guide covers these core meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
Referring to a piece of music, a catchy melody, or a song.
The most common and general word for a piece of music or a song. Works in almost any context.
This tune is really catchy, isn't it?
彼女はピアノで美しい曲を弾いた。
She played a beautiful tune on the piano.
Specifically refers to the melody or tune of a song, often distinct from lyrics or harmony. Common in musical contexts.
そのメロディーが頭から離れない。
I can't get that tune out of my head.
Means 'song' and often implies vocals. Use when the tune is sung, not just instrumental.
これは私の好きな歌です。
This is my favorite tune.
A more formal or technical term for a musical composition. Used in professional or academic settings.
この楽曲はバッハによって作曲された。
This tune was composed by Bach.
Making small adjustments to improve performance, accuracy, or condition.
General verb for adjusting, regulating, or tuning something. Works for machines, schedules, plans, etc.
エンジンを調整する必要がある。
I need to tune the engine.
テレビの色を調整してください。
Please tune the color on the TV.
Loanword from English, commonly used for tuning musical instruments or car engines. More specific than 調整する.
ギターをチューニングする。
I tune the guitar.
車のチューニングが趣味です。
Tuning cars is my hobby.
Specifically means to tune a musical instrument (piano, organ, etc.) to the correct pitch. Used for professional tuning.
ピアノを調律してもらった。
I had the piano tuned.
Means 'fine-tune' or make minute adjustments. Emphasizes precision.
プレゼンの内容を微調整する。
I fine-tune the presentation content.
Being in agreement, harmony, or synchronization with something or someone.
Describes a state of being in harmony or balance. Can be used for relationships, design, nature, etc.
彼の考えは会社の方針と調和している。
His ideas are in tune with the company's policy.
Casual and common way to say things match or are in sync. Often used for opinions, feelings, or compatibility.
私たちの意見は合っているね。
Our opinions are in tune, aren't they?
Idiom meaning 'to be in sync' or 'to get along well,' often used for teamwork or close relationships.
Selecting a radio or TV channel to watch or listen.
Standard phrase for tuning in to a channel. Literally 'match the channel.'
ニュースを見るためにテレビのチャンネルを合わせた。
I tuned in to the TV to watch the news.
Technical phrase for tuning a radio frequency. Used for amateur radio or older devices.
ラジオの周波数を合わせて音楽を聴く。
I tune the radio frequency and listen to music.
曲 (kyoku) only means a musical piece. It cannot be used for adjusting something or being in harmony. Using it in those contexts will cause confusion.
調整する is the general verb for adjusting anything. チューニングする is specifically for tuning instruments or engines and sounds more technical or hobbyist.
あの二人は息が合っている。
Those two are really in tune with each other.