How to say "steering" in Japanese

• 操縦そうじゅうJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe usual word for the physical act of steering or piloting a vehicle, especially aircraft and ships. Choose this when talking about actually controlling the craft, as a pilot or driver does.
  ジェット機じぇっときでは不注意ふちゅういな操縦そうじゅうは許ゆるされない。↗

  A jet airliner does not admit of careless handling.
• 運用うんようJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbPrimarily means operation or management, and its gloss extends to the operation of a boat. For the everyday sense of 'steering' a vehicle it is seldom the word you want; reach for 操縦 instead.

Use 操縦 for physically steering or piloting a craft such as a plane or ship; 運用 mainly means operation or management, and only marginally covers steering a boat.

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

• 操縦そうじゅうsteering
• ステアリングsteering
• 操舵そうだsteering (of a boat)
• 舵取りかじとりsteering (a boat)
• 転舵てんだchange of course (of a ship)
• ステアsteer
• 運用うんようoperation (esp. of a boat)