‘基调’ represents the underlying essence or primary mood that directs the direction of a discourse or creation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- The fundamental tone or theme of a work or event.
- Commonly used in music, literature, politics, and design.
- Defines the overall mood or guiding principles.
Overview
- 1概述：‘基调’一词最早起源于音乐领域，指一首乐曲的主调（Keynote）。在现代汉语中，它的含义已经广泛延伸，用于描述文学作品的情感色彩、政治会议的核心精神、或者是一次谈话的基本立场。它像是一个地基，决定了在其之上构建的所有内容的性质。2) 使用模式：该词常作为宾语，与‘定下’、‘确立’、‘改变’、‘符合’等动词搭配；也常作为主语，被描述为‘悲凉的’、‘积极的’或‘务实的’。3) 常见语境：在文学批评中，可以讨论一部小说的‘悲剧基调’；在政治新闻中，常提到‘会议为明年的经济工作定下了基调’；在室内设计中，则指代房间的主色调或风格。4) 近义词辨析：‘基调’侧重于最基本、最核心的倾向，而‘风格’（Style）更侧重于表现形式；‘氛围’（Atmosphere）则更倾向于感官上的即时感受。‘主旋律’（Main theme）虽然与基调相近，但‘主旋律’往往带有更强的意识形态或宣传色彩。
Examples
这部电影的基调非常忧郁。
everydayThe tone of this movie is very melancholic.
发言人为接下来的谈判定下了务实的基调。
formalThe spokesperson set a pragmatic tone for the upcoming negotiations.
我们装修的基调应该是简约现代。
informalThe main theme of our renovation should be simple and modern.
本文旨在探讨鲁迅作品中深刻的批判基调。
academicThis paper aims to explore the profound critical tone in Lu Xun's works.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
基本基调
Fundamental tone
情感基调
Emotional tone
Often Confused With
Style refers to the manner of expression or design, while 基调 refers to the underlying mood or fundamental stance.
Main idea refers to the central point or purpose, whereas 基调 refers to the emotional coloring or atmosphere.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '基调' is generally formal but can be used in neutral everyday contexts when discussing art or atmosphere. It is highly frequent in news reporting, especially concerning economics and politics. It carries a sense of stability and overarching influence.
Common Mistakes
English speakers sometimes use '音调' (yīndiào - pitch/intonation) when they mean '基调' (jīdiào - keynote/tone). '音调' is strictly about the sound's frequency, while '基调' is metaphorical.
Tips
Using it in Professional Writing
Use '定下基调' (set the tone) when describing how a leader influences a meeting's direction.
Avoid confusing with 'Pitch'
While related to music, '基调' refers to the key or tone, not the specific high or low pitch (音高).
Political Significance in China
In Chinese media, '基调' is a high-frequency word used to signal shifts in government policy or economic strategy.
Word Origin
Derived from music theory, where '基' means basic or fundamental, and '调' means melody or key. It transitioned from a technical musical term to a general descriptor for themes and moods in the early 20th century.
Cultural Context
In China, the 'Economic Work Conference' (经济工作会议) held annually is famous for 'setting the tone' (定调子) for the next year's national development.
Memory Tip
Think of '基' (jī) as 'base/foundation' and '调' (diào) as 'tone'. It is the 'foundation tone' of everything else built on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions不是。虽然它起源于音乐，但在现代汉语中更多用于描述文章、演讲、政策、电影或设计的核心倾向和氛围。
这通常指领导人或重要会议确立了未来一段时间内处理某项事务的基本原则、态度或方向。
‘主旨’（Main idea）侧重于具体的内容和目的，而‘基调’侧重于情感色彩、态度或整体的氛围。
可以使用‘忧伤的基调’、‘沉重的基调’或‘悲凉的基调’。
Test Yourself
这篇报道的___是积极向上的，给人以希望。
‘基调’在此指报道的整体情感倾向和氛围。
当我们要表达‘确立了基本的方向’时，可以说：
‘定下基调’是一个非常固定的习惯表达，意为确立基本方针或态度。
会议 / 明年的 / 了 / 发展 / 经济 / 基调 / 定下了
这是一个典型的动宾结构句子，说明会议确立了经济发展的方向。
Score: /3
Summary
‘基调’ represents the underlying essence or primary mood that directs the direction of a discourse or creation.
- The fundamental tone or theme of a work or event.
- Commonly used in music, literature, politics, and design.
- Defines the overall mood or guiding principles.
Using it in Professional Writing
Use '定下基调' (set the tone) when describing how a leader influences a meeting's direction.
Avoid confusing with 'Pitch'
While related to music, '基调' refers to the key or tone, not the specific high or low pitch (音高).
Political Significance in China
In Chinese media, '基调' is a high-frequency word used to signal shifts in government policy or economic strategy.
Examples
4 of 4这部电影的基调非常忧郁。
The tone of this movie is very melancholic.
发言人为接下来的谈判定下了务实的基调。
The spokesperson set a pragmatic tone for the upcoming negotiations.
我们装修的基调应该是简约现代。
The main theme of our renovation should be simple and modern.
本文旨在探讨鲁迅作品中深刻的批判基调。
This paper aims to explore the profound critical tone in Lu Xun's works.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
