How to say "manipulation" in Japanese

• 操りあやつりCommon
  nounCovers manipulation in the sense of controlling a person like a puppet, pulling strings behind the scenes. It also means puppet itself, so it carries that image of someone being worked by another's hands.
• 操作そうさJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe usual word for manipulating or handling something, such as a machine or device, and for manipulating a situation or person to one's benefit. When you mean influencing outcomes in your favor, this is the word you want.
• 操縦そうじゅうJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbPrimarily means handling or steering a vehicle, such as piloting a plane, and management or maneuvering of people. Its manipulation sense is secondary, so it is seldom the word you want for manipulation in the psychological sense.

Use 操作 for manipulating things or situations to one's benefit, 「操り」 for puppet-like control of people, and 操縦 mainly for piloting or steering, with manipulation of people as a secondary sense.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 操りあやつりmanipulation
• マニピュレーションmanipulation
• ミスリードmisleading (someone)
• 手さばきてさばきhandling
• ごまかしcheating
• 誤導ごどうmisleading (someone)
• 操作そうさmanipulating (to one's benefit)
• 操縦そうじゅうmanagement (of people)
• テコ入れてこいれmanipulation (of the market, esp. to prevent a sudden fall)
• 差し金さしがねinstigation