investigate · tune

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is ちょう, and the kun readings are しらべる, ととのう, ととのえる. It has 15 strokes and relates to investigating or putting something into order.
• Basic usage: 調べる is read しらべる, and 調える is read ととのえる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 調べる and 調える
  • 調べる means investigate or check. It expresses investigating or checking in order to learn information or facts.
  • 町の歴史を調べるため、古い地図を集めました。 means “We collected old maps to investigate the city's history.”
  • 調える means prepare or adjust. It expresses preparing something or adjusting a flavor or condition into a suitable state.
  • 客を迎える前に食事の支度を調えた。 means “We completed the meal preparations before welcoming the guests.”