Hello, I’m Kodak.
A Japanese friend looks at you and asks:
Hiragana: ちょうしはどう
Romaji: chōshi wa dō?
Meaning: How are things? / How are you feeling? / How is it going?
You may think the question is simply another way to say “How are you?”. But then you hear it in other situations:
How is work going?
勉強の調子はどう？
How are your studies going?
足の調子はどう？
How is your leg feeling?
新しいパソコンの調子はどう？
How is the new computer working?
How can the same phrase mean all of those things?
調子 is the current way something is functioning, progressing, or performing.
The speaker asks whether that current “rhythm” or condition is good, bad, improving, or getting worse.
調子はどう？ (Chōshi wa dō?) means:
・How are you feeling?
・How is it going?
・How are things progressing?
・How is [something] working?
The exact translation depends on whose or what condition is being discussed.
A safe positive reply is:
調子いいよ。 — It’s going well. / I’m feeling good.
A polite reply is:
順調です。 — It’s going smoothly.
This article explains the meaning, pronunciation, kanji, origin, sentence structure, natural replies, polite forms, common situations, and differences from similar Japanese questions.
What Does 調子はどう Mean in Japanese?
調子はどう？ asks about the present condition, performance, progress, or functioning of a person or thing.
How are you feeling?
How is it going?
How are things?
How is your progress?
How is [it] working?
How is your form/performance?
今日は調子はどう？
Kyō wa chōshi wa dō?
How are you feeling today?
新しい仕事の調子はどう？
Atarashii shigoto no chōshi wa dō?
How is the new job going?
車の調子はどう？
Kuruma no chōshi wa dō?
How is the car running?
A person feels well.
A project goes well.
An athlete performs well.
A machine works well.
Japanese can use 調子 for the shared idea of “current functioning or rhythm.”
The Core Image of 調子: The Rhythm in Which Something Is Moving or Working
The oldest and most concrete meanings of 調子 are connected with music: pitch, tone, rhythm, tuning, and the manner in which sounds flow.
From there, the word developed a broader image:
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Speech and movement also have a tone or rhythm
↓
Work and performance have momentum and pace
↓
A body or machine has a current operating condition
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調子 = the way something is currently functioning, moving, or progressing
When your body, work, or machine is in a good rhythm, 調子がいい.
When the rhythm is disrupted, 調子が悪い or 調子が狂う.
But translate it naturally as condition, form, progress, performance, tone, or rhythm according to context.
Breaking Down 調子はどう
condition, form, performance, rhythm, tone, functioning
は (wa)
topic marker: “as for the condition…”
どう (dō)
how; what is it like?
調子はどう？
As for the condition, how is it?
⇒ How is it going? / How are you feeling?
調子はどう？
“As for the condition, how is it?”
By contrast, 調子がいい uses が to describe the condition as good.
How to Pronounce 調子はどう
Hiragana: ちょうしはどう
Romaji: chōshi wa dō
Mora: ちょ・う・し・は・ど・う
The long vowels in ちょう and どう each take extra time.
し ⇒ shi
は is pronounced wa because it is a particle
ど + う ⇒ dō
In learner-friendly romanization, chōshi wa dō shows the long vowels more clearly. Both represent the same Japanese phrase.
How to Write Chōshi wa Dō in Japanese
All hiragana: ちょうしはどう？
More polite: 調子はどうですか？
Specific topic: 仕事の調子はどうですか？
Casual shortened form: 調子どう？
The kanji form 調子 is standard. Beginners may encounter the all-hiragana form in children’s materials or simple messages.
調子どう？ sounds relaxed and conversational.
調子はどう？ is the full casual form.
調子はどうですか？ is polite.
What Do the Kanji 調 and 子 Mean?
調 Means “Tune,” “Arrange,” “Examine,” or “Bring into Order”
The kanji 調 appears in words connected with tuning, adjustment, investigation, harmony, and condition.
調整 (chōsei) — adjustment; coordination
調和 (chōwa) — harmony
調律 (chōritsu) — tuning
体調 (taichō) — physical condition
好調 (kōchō) — good form; favorable condition
子 Is Part of the Established Compound 調子
The kanji 子 commonly means child or a small unit, but learners should not force a literal “tune + child” interpretation here.
Memorize 調子 as one historical word whose earliest uses concern musical tone and tuning. The most useful modern core image is “the current rhythm or functioning.”
The Origin and Meaning Development of 調子
調子 has a long history as a musical term. Dictionary records include an example from The Tale of Genji, composed around the beginning of the eleventh century, where the word refers to music being played.
Musical pitch, tuning, and rhythm
↓
the tone or style of speech and writing
↓
the pace, momentum, or rhythm of movement and progress
↓
the working condition of a body, person, team, tool, or machine
A musical instrument can be “in tune.” Work can have a smooth rhythm. A body or machine can also function smoothly. The shared idea of an ordered operating state allows 調子 to move across these domains.
Five Common Things 調子はどう Can Ask About
1. Physical Condition: “How Are You Feeling?”
When the conversation concerns health, recovery, exercise, sleep, or a body part, 調子はどう asks about physical condition.
今日は体の調子はどう？
Kyō wa karada no chōshi wa dō?
How are you feeling physically today?
足の調子はどう？
Ashi no chōshi wa dō?
How is your leg feeling?
薬を変えてから、調子はどうですか？
Kusuri o kaete kara, chōshi wa dō desu ka?
How have you been feeling since changing the medication?
After you were sick, injured, or absent, it probably means your physical condition.
During a project meeting, it probably means progress.
While testing a repaired computer, it probably means how the computer works.
2. Work or Study Progress: “How Is It Going?”
新しい仕事の調子はどう？
Atarashii shigoto no chōshi wa dō?
How is the new job going?
試験勉強の調子はどう？
Shiken benkyō no chōshi wa dō?
How is your exam preparation going?
プロジェクトの調子はどうですか？
Purojekuto no chōshi wa dō desu ka?
How is the project going?
A manager who needs exact status may ask a more specific question such as 進捗はどうですか. 調子はどう is broader and more conversational.
3. Sports, Performance, or Skill: “How Is Your Form?”
最近、バッティングの調子はどう？
Saikin, battingu no chōshi wa dō?
How has your batting form been lately?
今日の声の調子はどうですか？
Kyō no koe no chōshi wa dō desu ka?
How is your voice today?
本番前だけど、調子はどう？
Honban mae da kedo, chōshi wa dō?
The performance is coming up—how is your form?
It describes current performance, not permanent ability.
4. A Machine, Device, or Tool: “How Is It Working?”
修理したエアコンの調子はどうですか？
Shūri shita eakon no chōshi wa dō desu ka?
How is the repaired air conditioner working?
新しいスマホの調子はどう？
Atarashii sumaho no chōshi wa dō?
How is the new phone working?
エンジンの調子が少し悪い。
Enjin no chōshi ga sukoshi warui.
The engine is not running very well.
調子 can describe both living beings and machines because its core idea is functioning.
5. General Momentum: “How Are Things Going?”
When a shared topic is already understood, 調子はどう can broadly ask whether things are going smoothly.
最近、調子はどう？
Saikin, chōshi wa dō?
How have things been going lately?
新しい生活の調子はどう？
Atarashii seikatsu no chōshi wa dō?
How is your new life going?
How to Reply to 調子はどう: Quick Answer Guide
絶好調だよ。
I’m in great form.
Good:
調子いいよ。
It’s going well. / I’m feeling good.
Going smoothly:
順調です。
It’s going smoothly.
So-so:
まあまあかな。
It’s so-so.
Not very good:
あまり調子よくない。
I’m not doing very well.
Bad:
ちょっと調子が悪い。
I’m feeling a little off. / It’s not working very well.
調子いいよ。
About you: “I’m feeling good.”
About your computer: “It’s working well.”
The shared topic supplies the missing subject.
Positive Replies: When Things Are Going Well
I’m doing well. / It’s going well.
すごく調子がいい。
I’m in really good form.
絶好調です。
I’m in excellent form. / Things are going extremely well.
順調です。
It’s going smoothly.
いい感じです。
It feels good. / Things are looking good.
問題なく進んでいます。
It is progressing without problems.
だいぶ良くなりました。
It has improved considerably.
今のところ、調子はいいです。
So far, things are going well.
順調 focuses on a process progressing smoothly and according to plan.
For recovery, both may work. For a project schedule, 順調 is often clearer.
A：新しい仕事の調子はどう？
How is the new job going?B：順調だよ。少しずつ慣れてきた。
It’s going smoothly. I’m gradually getting used to it.
Neutral Replies: When Things Are So-So
It’s so-so, I guess.
普通だよ。
It’s normal / nothing special.
ぼちぼちです。
It’s going okay / slowly but surely.
悪くはないです。
It’s not bad.
まずまずです。
It’s reasonably good.
今のところは大丈夫です。
So far, it’s okay.
少しずつ良くなっています。
It is gradually improving.
A warmer reply adds context:
普通です。特に問題はありません。
“It’s normal. There are no particular problems.”
Or casually: まあまあかな.
Negative Replies: When You Are Not Doing Well
I’m feeling a little off.
あまり調子よくない。
I’m not doing very well.
今日は今ひとつです。
I’m not at my best today.
まだ本調子ではありません。
I’m not back to normal yet.
最近、少し不調です。
I’ve been in poor form lately.
思うように進んでいません。
It is not progressing as I hoped.
少し問題が出ています。
A few problems have come up.
正直、あまりよくないです。
Honestly, it is not going very well.
For health, add the symptom.
For a project, add the obstacle.
For a machine, add what is malfunctioning.
調子が悪くて、画面が何度も止まります。
“It isn’t working well, and the screen keeps freezing.”
Replies About Physical Health
I’m feeling good today.
昨日よりだいぶいいです。
I feel much better than yesterday.
まだ少しだるいです。
I still feel a little sluggish.
熱は下がりましたが、まだ本調子ではありません。
My fever is gone, but I’m not back to normal yet.
薬が効いて、調子が良くなりました。
The medicine worked, and I feel better.
今日は胃の調子が悪いです。
My stomach is upset today.
足の調子は少しずつ良くなっています。
My leg is gradually getting better.
But context can shift it to mood, performance, or progress. Adding 体の, 胃の, or 仕事の removes ambiguity.
Replies About Work, Study, and Projects
It’s going smoothly.
予定どおり進んでいます。
It is progressing according to schedule.
少し遅れています。
It is running a little behind.
だいぶ調子が出てきました。
I’m starting to get into a good rhythm.
まだ要領がつかめていません。
I have not quite figured out the process yet.
一部で問題が出ています。
Some problems have arisen in one area.
難しいですが、少しずつ進んでいます。
It is difficult, but I am making gradual progress.
今週中には終わる見込みです。
It is expected to be finished this week.
Give a concise result plus one useful detail:
順調です。予定の七割まで終わっています。
“It’s going smoothly. About seventy percent is complete.”
Replies About a Machine or Device
It is working without problems.
今のところ調子はいいです。
So far, it is working well.
前より良くなりました。
It is better than before.
まだ時々止まります。
It still stops occasionally.
少し動作が遅いです。
It runs a little slowly.
電源が入りにくいです。
It is difficult to turn on.
また同じ不具合が出ました。
The same malfunction occurred again.
A：修理したパソコンの調子はどうですか？
How is the repaired computer working?B：前より良くなりましたが、まだ時々画面が固まります。
It is better than before, but the screen still freezes occasionally.
Replies About Sports or Performance
I’m in good form today.
絶好調です。
I’m in excellent form.
少し感覚が戻ってきました。
I’m starting to get my feel back.
まだ本来の調子ではありません。
I’m not back to my usual form yet.
最近、調子を落としています。
I have been in poorer form lately.
今日は声の調子がよくありません。
My voice is not in good condition today.
まだ本調子ではない means you have improved but have not fully returned to your normal form.
How to Ask Back: “How About You?”
調子いいよ。そっちは？
I’m doing well. How about you?
Using the person’s name:
まあまあかな。田中さんは？
I’m doing okay. How about you, Tanaka-san?
Polite:
おかげさまで調子はいいです。先生はいかがですか？
Thankfully, I’m doing well. How about you, Teacher?
Same-topic follow-up:
こちらは順調です。そちらの進み具合はいかがですか？
Things are going smoothly here. How is the progress on your side?
田中さんはどう？
そっちはどう？
These often sound more natural.
Polite and Formal Versions of 調子はどう
How is it going? — polite conversational
その後、調子はいかがですか？
How have things been since then? — more polite
お体の調子はいかがですか？
How is your physical condition?
機械の調子はいかがでしょうか。
How is the machine working? — formal
進捗状況はいかがでしょうか。
How is the progress? — business-specific
その後の経過はいかがですか。
How has the recovery/progress been since then?
For customers or formal correspondence, いかがですか or いかがでしょうか sounds more refined.
Also name the topic clearly: 製品の使用状況はいかがでしょうか.
調子はどう vs お元気ですか
Core focus: the person’s general health, vitality, and well-being
Common after time apart and in polite personal greetings
調子はどう
Core focus: the present functioning, condition, performance, or progress
Often connected to a known activity, recovery, task, or recent state
お元気ですか asks broadly whether the person has been well.
調子はどう asks how the person or a known area is currently functioning or progressing.
Long time no see. How have you been?
⇒ General well-being after time apart.
風邪をひいたと聞きました。調子はどうですか？
I heard you caught a cold. How are you feeling?
⇒ Current condition during illness or recovery.
新しい職場には慣れましたか？ 調子はどうですか？
Have you adjusted to your new workplace? How is it going?
⇒ Progress and functioning in a known situation.
調子はどう vs 体調はどう
How is your physical condition?
Clearly limited to bodily health.
調子はどう？
How is it going / How are you feeling?
May refer to health, performance, work, study, or a machine.
調子はどう？ is natural when the illness is already the shared topic.
調子はどう vs 具合はどう
How is your condition? / How is it working?
Often asks about health, an affected body part, a process, or the practical state of something.
調子はどう？
How is the current functioning, rhythm, performance, or progress?
Often suggests good/bad form or momentum.
傷の具合はどう？
How is the wound?
最近、ランニングの調子はどう？
How has your running form been lately?
具合 can be broader, including fit, arrangement, practical condition, and whether something is convenient or satisfactory.
調子はどう vs 最近どう
How have things been lately?
Very broad: life, work, relationships, news, and general updates.
調子はどう？
How are you doing / How is it going?
More focused on current condition, performance, or progress.
If you know your friend started a new job, 新しい仕事の調子はどう？ asks about that specific area.
調子がいい Has Another Meaning: Smooth-Talking or Convenient
調子がいい normally means that a body, task, or machine is in good condition. However, when describing a person’s speech or behavior, it can have a negative meaning.
I feel good physically today.
この機械は調子がいい。
This machine is working well.
彼は調子のいいことばかり言う。
He only says smooth, convenient things to please people.
To clearly praise someone’s condition, specify it:
今日は体の調子がよさそうですね。
What Does 調子に乗る Mean?
調子に乗る has two connected meanings:
仕事が調子に乗ってきた。
The work has started gaining momentum.
2. Get carried away or become overconfident
褒められて調子に乗る。
Get carried away after being praised.
It can sound confrontational, so beginners should understand it before using it.
Other Common Expressions with 調子
調子が悪い — be in poor condition / malfunction
調子が出る — get into one’s rhythm
調子を上げる — improve form or pace
調子を落とす — lose form or momentum
調子を取り戻す — regain one’s form
調子を整える — adjust or prepare one’s condition
本調子 — normal or proper form
絶好調 — excellent form
不調 — poor condition / slump
調子に乗る — gain momentum / get carried away
調子を合わせる — match the rhythm / go along with someone
調子が出る: Get into a Rhythm
書き始めて一時間後、やっと調子が出てきた。
Kakihajimete ichijikan-go, yatto chōshi ga dete kita.
An hour after I started writing, I finally got into a rhythm.
調子を取り戻す: Regain Form
けがから復帰して、少しずつ調子を取り戻している。
Kega kara fukki shite, sukoshi zutsu chōshi o torimodoshite iru.
After returning from injury, I am gradually regaining my form.
不調: Poor Condition or a Slump
今月は売り上げが不調だ。
Kongetsu wa uriage ga fuchō da.
Sales are weak this month.
How 調子はどう Is Used in Anime and Casual Dialogue
Hey, how’s it going?
ケガの調子はどう？
How is your injury?
今日は調子よさそうだな。
You look like you’re in good form today.
どうした？ 調子悪いのか？
What’s wrong? Are you feeling off?
絶好調だ！
I’m in top form!
その調子！
That’s it! / Keep it up!
調子に乗るなよ。
Don’t get carried away.
As encouragement, it becomes “That’s it!”, “Keep it up!”, or “You’re doing great!”
Common Beginner Mistakes
Mistake 1: Translating 調子 as “Health” Every Time
the computer’s operating condition
仕事の調子
the pace or progress of work
声の調子
the condition, pitch, or tone of the voice
Mistake 2: Answering Without Identifying the Topic
If the context is unclear, ask what the speaker means.
The condition of what?
体調のことですか？
Do you mean my physical condition?
仕事の進み具合のことですか？
Do you mean how the work is progressing?
Mistake 3: Using 元気 for Machines
Sounds personified or humorous.
○ パソコンの調子はいいです。
The computer is working well.
Mistake 4: Treating 調子が悪い as a Specific Diagnosis
The phrase is broad. Add symptoms or operational details when clarity matters.
Mistake 5: Saying 調子は何?
“What is the condition?”
○ 調子はどう？
“How is the condition?”
Mistake 6: Confusing 調子に乗る with Being in Good Condition
In the command 調子に乗るな, the phrase normally means “Don’t get cocky,” not “Don’t be healthy.”
Mistake 7: Giving Only a Vague Reply in a Work Report
When practical decisions depend on your answer, combine an evaluation with facts.
まあまあです。
More useful:
少し遅れていますが、金曜日までには終わる予定です。
It is slightly behind, but we plan to finish by Friday.
Natural Example Sentences with 調子
今日は体の調子がいい。
Kyō wa karada no chōshi ga ii.
I feel physically good today.
最近、少し調子が悪い。
Saikin, sukoshi chōshi ga warui.
I have been feeling a little off lately.
胃の調子はもう良くなりました。
I no chōshi wa mō yoku narimashita.
My stomach is feeling better now.
新しい薬を飲み始めてから、調子はどうですか？
Atarashii kusuri o nomihajimete kara, chōshi wa dō desu ka?
How have you been feeling since you started the new medicine?
仕事の調子はどう？
Shigoto no chōshi wa dō?
How is work going?
今のところ、プロジェクトは順調です。
Ima no tokoro, purojekuto wa junchō desu.
So far, the project is going smoothly.
勉強の調子が出てきた。
Benkyō no chōshi ga dete kita.
I’m starting to get into a good study rhythm.
昨日は全然調子が出なかった。
Kinō wa zenzen chōshi ga denakatta.
I could not get into my rhythm at all yesterday.
今日は投球の調子がいい。
Kyō wa tōkyū no chōshi ga ii.
My pitching is in good form today.
彼はけがをしてから調子を落としている。
Kare wa kega o shite kara chōshi o otoshite iru.
He has been in poorer form since his injury.
このピアノは少し調子が外れている。
Kono piano wa sukoshi chōshi ga hazurete iru.
This piano is slightly out of tune.
車の調子が悪いので、修理に出した。
Kuruma no chōshi ga warui node, shūri ni dashita.
The car was not running well, so I sent it for repairs.
修理後のエアコンの調子はいかがですか？
Shūri-go no eakon no chōshi wa ikaga desu ka?
How is the air conditioner working after the repair?
新しい生活の調子はどう？
Atarashii seikatsu no chōshi wa dō?
How is your new life going?
少しずつ自分の調子を取り戻している。
Sukoshi zutsu jibun no chōshi o torimodoshite iru.
I am gradually getting back to my usual self/form.
その調子で続けてください。
Sono chōshi de tsuzukete kudasai.
Please keep going like that.
褒められたからって、調子に乗らないで。
Homerareta kara tte, chōshi ni noranaide.
Don’t get carried away just because you were praised.
彼は相手に調子を合わせて話していた。
Kare wa aite ni chōshi o awasete hanashite ita.
He adjusted his manner of speaking to match the other person.
Complete Dialogue Examples
1. Checking on a Sick Friend
A：昨日、熱があったんだよね。今日は調子はどう？
You had a fever yesterday, right? How are you feeling today?B：昨日よりはいいよ。でも、まだ少しだるい。
I’m better than yesterday, but I still feel a little sluggish.A：無理しないで、ゆっくり休んでね。
Don’t push yourself. Get plenty of rest.
2. Work Progress
上司：新しい案件の調子はどう？
How is the new project going?社員：順調です。現在、全体の八割まで完了しています。
It is going smoothly. About eighty percent is now complete.上司：分かりました。問題があれば早めに教えてください。
Understood. Let me know early if any problems arise.
3. A Repaired Machine
技術者：修理した機械の調子はいかがですか？
How is the repaired machine working?利用者：前より良くなりましたが、時々変な音がします。
It is better than before, but it occasionally makes a strange noise.技術者：では、もう一度確認します。
Then I will check it again.
4. Sports Practice
コーチ：今日の調子はどうだ？
How is your form today?選手：悪くないです。昨日より体が動きます。
Not bad. My body is moving better than yesterday.コーチ：その調子でいこう。
Let’s keep that up.
5. Casual Life Check-In
A：新しい町での生活、調子はどう？
How is life in the new town going?B：まあまあかな。まだ友達は少ないけど、少しずつ慣れてきた。
It’s okay, I guess. I do not have many friends yet, but I’m gradually adjusting.A：そっか。またいつでも連絡して。
I see. Message me anytime.
6. Clarifying an Ambiguous Question
A：最近、調子はどう？
How have things been going lately?B：仕事のこと？ それとも体調？
Do you mean work or my physical condition?A：仕事の方。新しい部署はどう？
Work. How is the new department?B：忙しいけど、順調だよ。
It is busy, but things are going smoothly.
FAQ About 調子はどう
What does chōshi wa dō mean?
調子はどう？ means “How is it going?”, “How are you feeling?”, or “How is it working?” It asks about the current condition, performance, progress, or functioning of a person or thing.
How do you reply to 調子はどう?
A positive casual reply is 調子いいよ. A useful polite reply for work or progress is 順調です. If things are not going well, say あまり調子よくないです and add a brief explanation.
What does 調子がいい mean?
It usually means “be in good condition,” “be in good form,” or “work well.” When describing someone’s convenient or flattering speech, it can also have a negative “smooth-talking” meaning.
What does 調子が悪い mean?
It means a person feels off, performance is poor, progress is not smooth, or a machine is malfunctioning. The exact meaning depends on the subject.
What is the difference between 調子はどう and お元気ですか?
お元気ですか asks broadly about a person’s well-being. 調子はどう focuses more on current condition, functioning, performance, or progress and can also describe work and machines.
What is the difference between 調子はどう and 体調はどう?
体調はどう specifically asks about physical health. 調子はどう can ask about health but can also refer to work, study, sports, performance, or machines.
Is 調子はどう casual?
Yes. 調子はどう？ is casual. The polite form is 調子はどうですか？, and the more refined form is 調子はいかがですか？.
Can 調子 describe a machine?
Yes. 機械の調子がいい means that a machine is working well, while 機械の調子が悪い means it is malfunctioning or not operating smoothly.
What does 絶好調 mean?
絶好調 means being in excellent or top form. It can describe a person, athlete, team, business, or performance.
What does 本調子ではない mean?
It means someone or something has not returned to its normal or proper condition yet.
What does その調子 mean?
その調子 means “That’s it,” “Keep it up,” or “Continue in that rhythm/way.” It is commonly used as encouragement.
What does 調子に乗る mean?
It can mean to gain momentum, but in common warnings such as 調子に乗るな, it means to get carried away, become overconfident, or act cocky.
Related Words and Expressions
体調 (taichō) — physical condition
具合 (guai) — condition, state, working order
様子 (yōsu) — appearance, situation, state of affairs
進捗 (shinchoku) — progress
順調 (junchō) — smooth progress
好調 (kōchō) — good condition or form
不調 (fuchō) — poor condition or slump
絶好調 (zekkōchō) — excellent form
本調子 (honchōshi) — normal or proper form
調子が出る — get into a rhythm
調子を取り戻す — regain form
その調子 — keep it up
調子に乗る — gain momentum / get carried away
調子はどう？ — How is it going?
調子がいい。 — I’m/It’s in good condition.
調子が悪い。 — I’m/It’s not in good condition.
順調です。 — It’s going smoothly.
Those forms cover personal health, work, performance, and machines.
Summary: The Meaning, Usage, and Replies for 調子はどう
調子はどう means “How are you feeling?”, “How is it going?”, “How is your form?”, or “How is it working?”
● Core image
調子 is the current rhythm, functioning, progress, or operating condition of a person or thing.
● Common subjects
physical health
work and study
sports and performance
machines and devices
general momentum
● Positive replies
調子いいよ。— It’s going well.
順調です。— It’s going smoothly.
絶好調です。— I’m in top form.
● Neutral replies
まあまあです。— It’s so-so.
今のところは大丈夫です。— So far, it’s okay.
● Negative replies
あまり調子よくないです。— I’m/It’s not doing very well.
まだ本調子ではありません。— I’m/It’s not back to normal yet.
● Politeness
Casual: 調子はどう？
Polite: 調子はどうですか？
More formal: 調子はいかがですか？
● Difference from お元気ですか
お元気ですか asks about general personal well-being. 調子はどう asks about current functioning, condition, performance, or progress and can also refer to nonliving things.
A healthy body, a successful project, a performing athlete, and a working machine can all be “in a good rhythm.”
That single image connects the many meanings of 調子 and helps you understand what 調子はどう？ is asking in each situation.
References
- Kotobank: 調子 — meanings including musical pitch and rhythm, tone of expression, momentum, and the condition of an active person or thing.
- goo Dictionary: 調子 — modern definitions and common expressions.
- Kotobank Japanese–English Dictionary: 調子 — English equivalents for tone, rhythm, condition, form, and machine operation.
- goo Dictionary: Expressions with 調子 — 調子がいい, 調子に乗る, 調子を合わせる, and related phrases.
- Kotobank: 調子に乗る — meanings of gaining momentum and becoming carried away.
- Kotobank: 調子がいい — good physical or mechanical condition and the separate smooth-talking sense.