低调 dīdiào low pitch
low pitch; quiet (voice); subdued; low-key; low-profile
How to remember 低调: 低 low + 调 tune = low pitch.
Characters
How it is used
- Low-profile / understated - 他为人很低调 (tā wéirén hěn dīdiào) he keeps a low profile.
- Very common for modest, non-showy behavior: 低调处理 (handle discreetly), 保持低调.
- Direct antonym 高调 (gāodiào, high-profile/showy). Originally 'low pitch', now mostly about keeping a low public profile - 高调宣布 (gāodiào xuānbù) announce with great fanfare.