Keywords: pǎodiào, 跑调, sing off key, out of tune, tone deaf Chinese, bad singing, how to say off-key in Chinese, Chinese singing, KTV, figurative meaning, go off topic
Summary: Learn how to say someone is singing “off-key” or “out of tune” in Mandarin Chinese with the common term 跑调 (pǎodiào). Literally meaning “the tune runs away,” this versatile word is essential for anyone who enjoys KTV (Karaoke) in China. This guide explores its literal and figurative meanings, cultural context, and provides practical examples to help you describe bad singing (or an off-topic conversation) like a native speaker.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): pǎodiào
Part of Speech: Verb, Adjective
HSK Level: N/A
Concise Definition: To sing or play a musical instrument out of tune; to be off-key.
In a Nutshell: 跑调 (pǎodiào) is the go-to term in Chinese for describing music that isn't hitting the right notes. It creates a vivid mental image of a melody that has “run away” from its intended path. While it can describe an instrument, it's most frequently and informally used to talk about someone's singing, especially in the social setting of KTV. It can also be used figuratively to mean “to go off-topic.”
Character Breakdown
跑 (pǎo): To run, flee, or escape. This character is composed of the “foot” radical 足 (zú) on the left, indicating movement, and 包 (bāo) on the right, which provides the sound. You can easily remember it as an action done with your feet.
调 (diào): Tune, melody, key, or pitch. This character points to the musical aspect. (Note: This character is also pronounced `tiáo` when it means “to adjust” or “to mix,” but in this word, it is always `diào`).
Combined Meaning: The characters literally combine to mean “the tune runs away.” This metaphor is perfectly intuitive, painting a clear picture of a melody escaping its correct musical course, resulting in an off-key performance.
Cultural Context and Significance
The cultural significance of 跑调 is inextricably linked to the immense popularity of KTV (卡拉OK, kǎlā'ōukèi) in China. KTV is not just about singing; it's a primary social activity for friends, colleagues, and families to bond, relax, and have fun.
In this context, pointing out that someone is singing 跑调 is usually a form of lighthearted teasing and camaraderie. It’s part of the fun. Unlike in Western culture, where calling someone “off-key” might feel like a serious musical critique, in a Chinese KTV room, it’s often a playful jab that shows you're comfortable with each other. It fosters a relaxed atmosphere where perfection isn't the goal—participation and shared enjoyment are.
This contrasts with the Western concept of “constructive criticism” in music. While 跑调 can be used for serious feedback by a music teacher, its overwhelmingly common usage is social. It reflects a cultural value of prioritizing group harmony and shared experience over individual performance prowess, especially in informal settings.
Practical Usage in Modern China
In a KTV/Informal Setting: This is the most common usage. It's used to tease friends or to make fun of one's own singing ability.
“哈哈，你这句完全跑调了！” (Haha, you were totally off-key on that line!)
“我唱歌爱跑调，你们别笑我。” (I tend to sing off-key, don't laugh at me.)
As a Figurative Metaphor: 跑调 can be used to describe a conversation, discussion, or plan that has strayed from its original topic or goal.
“等等，我们好像有点儿跑调了，说回正事吧。” (Wait, I think we're getting a bit off-topic, let's get back to the main point.)
Connotation and Formality: The connotation is highly dependent on the context.
Informal/Playful: Among friends, it's a joke and carries no real sting.
Neutral/Descriptive: When describing a performance objectively, e.g., “The violinist started to go off-key in the second movement.”
Negative/Critical: When said by an authority figure (like a teacher or director) to a student or performer, it is a direct and serious criticism.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
他一唱歌就跑调，但是他自己不知道。
Pinyin: Tā yī chànggē jiù pǎodiào, dànshì tā zìjǐ bù zhīdào.
English: As soon as he sings, he goes off-key, but he doesn't realize it himself.
Analysis: A simple, descriptive statement about someone's singing ability. The structure “一…就…” (yī…jiù…) means “as soon as…then…”.
English: Sorry, I'm tone-deaf, so I always sing off-key.
Analysis: This sentence links 跑调 (the action) with 五音不全 (wǔyīn bùquán, the state of being tone-deaf), showing how the two concepts relate.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Assuming it's always a harsh insult.
For English speakers, saying “you're off-key” can feel very critical. However, in China, 90% of the time it's used between friends at KTV, it's just teasing. Don't take it too personally, and feel free to use it playfully with your friends.
Mistake 2: Not understanding the figurative meaning.
If you hear 跑调 in a business meeting, your colleagues are not randomly talking about singing. They mean the discussion has gone off-topic. Understanding this metaphorical extension is key to fluency.
Incorrect: Hearing “我们开会别跑调” (wǒmen kāihuì bié pǎodiào) and thinking, “Why would we sing in a meeting?”
Correct: Understanding it as, “Let's not get sidetracked during the meeting.”
“False Friend” Distinction: 跑调 (pǎodiào) vs. Tone-Deaf.
跑调 (pǎodiào) describes the action of performing out of tune at a specific moment. Anyone can 跑调 on a difficult note.
The Chinese term for being “tone-deaf” is 五音不全 (wǔyīn bùquán), which describes a person's permanent or general inability to distinguish musical pitches.
So, a person who is 五音不全 will almost always 跑调 when they sing.
Related Terms and Concepts
`五音不全 (wǔyīn bùquán)` - “Tone-deaf.” Describes a person's innate lack of pitch accuracy. It's the reason why someone might always 跑调.
`走音 (zǒuyīn)` - “The sound walks away.” A very close synonym for 跑调, often used interchangeably.
`音准 (yīnzhǔn)` - “Pitch accuracy.” The direct antonym of 跑调. If someone has good 音准, they won't 跑调.
`KTV / 卡拉OK (kǎlā'ōukèi)` - Karaoke. The primary social battleground where 跑调 is witnessed and celebrated.
`麦霸 (màibà)` - “Mic hog/tyrant.” The person at KTV who dominates the microphone, regardless of whether they 跑调 or not.
`破音 (pòyīn)` - “To have one's voice crack.” A different kind of singing mistake, often happening when trying to hit a high note. It's not the same as being off-key.
`离题 (lítí)` - “To digress from the topic.” The more formal, standard word for the figurative meaning of 跑调.
`节奏 (jiézòu)` - “Rhythm, tempo.” Another key element of music. It's possible to be on-key (不跑调) but have terrible rhythm (节奏感不好).