调子diào·zi 1.一组音的排列次第和相互关系。{mode; sequencing and relation of a group of notes} 2.音乐上高低长短配合成组的音。{tune; melody; air; a succession of musical sounds different in pitch and duration} 3.说话时带的某种情绪{tone; mood in a speech}: 他说话的～很忧郁。{He speaks in a gloomy tone.} 4.指论调;精神(jīngshén)②{view; spirit}: 文章只作了文字上的改动,基本～没有变。{In the article some changes have been made in wording, but its basic spirit remains the same.}