How to say "operate" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 操るあやつるgodan verb, transitive verbFor 'operate' in the sense of skillfully working a machine or its controls; it also means to handle, manage, or control something, often with a nuance of deliberate, dexterous manipulation.
- 取り扱うとりあつかうgodan verb, transitive verbCovers 'operate (a machine, etc.)' when the point is handling or using the equipment — the human side of dealing with a device — and it more broadly means to handle or use things.
- 営むいとなむgodan verb, transitive verbHere 'operate' is the business sense: to run or conduct a business or enterprise, and by extension to practice a profession such as law or medicine. It is not used for operating machines.
- 動くうごくgodan verb, intransitive verbIntransitive: 'operate' meaning that a machine or device itself runs, works, or moves. Use it for the machine's own running or functioning, not for a person operating it.
- 働くはたらくgodan verb, intransitive verbIntransitive: 'operate' meaning to function or do its job. It stresses that something works — a machine functioning, or a thing being effective — with the focus on function rather than movement.
For operating a machine, choose 「操る」 for skillful hands-on control or 「取り扱う」 for handling and using equipment; use 「営む」 for running a business, and 「動く」 or 「働く」 when the machine itself runs, works, or functions.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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