Quick answer
調 is the kanji for "Investigate". The most common reading is しら.べる (shiraberu). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Investigate
Also : Tone · Tune · Prepare · Harmonize
Learn 調 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
15 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 調 represents 'TUNE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of tune.
On-reading: ちょう — remember this sound by associating it with tune. Kun-reading: しら.べる.
Example Sentences
調査の結果を報告しました。
ちょうさのけっかをほうこくしました。
I reported the survey results.
体の調子はどうですか？
からだのちょうしはどうですか？
How is your physical condition?
Vocabulary using 調
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 22, 2026
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