操作|そうさsousa[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. noun, suru verb, transitive verboperation; management; handling
   このコンピューターの操作そうさは難むずかしい。↗

   Operating this computer is tricky.

   私はこのＣＤプレイヤーの操作そうさのしかたが分わからない。↗

   I don't know how to operate this CD player.
2. noun, suru verb, transitive verbmanipulating (to one's benefit); manipulation; influencing

• Synonym取り扱いとりあつかいNeutralCovers using and handling things, and also how people or things are treated, as in 「取扱説明書」; 「操作」 focuses on operating machines or altering things artificially.
• Synonym扱いあつかいNeutralRefers to using or handling things and to how someone is treated, as in 「子供扱い」; 「操作」 focuses on operating machines or altering things artificially.
• Synonym操るあやつるNeutralMeans handling tools or languages skillfully, or manipulating people behind the scenes; 「操作」 usually means operating machines or manipulating data and opinion.
• Related操縦そうじゅうNeutralMeans piloting or steering planes, ships and other vehicles, and figuratively controlling people; 「操作」 is for operating machines or manipulating things artificially.
• Related監督かんとくNeutralSupervising and directing people and work, or a director or coach; its object is people and jobs, not directly operating machines.
• Related管理かんりNeutralManaging and looking after things, as in 「在庫管理」 — a broad scope; 「操作」 is operating machines or manipulating things artificially.
• Related規制きせいNeutralRestricting by rules, as in 「交通規制」 or 「自主規制」; 「操作」 is operating machines or manipulating data.
• Related支配しはいNeutralRuling or dominating, with a broad scope; it overlaps with 「操作」 only in controlling or swaying other people.
• Related抑制よくせいNeutralPressing something down or holding it in check, as in 「感情を抑制する」; 「操作」 is actively manipulating something.
• Related統制とうせいWrittenWritten/formal prose: unified control and restriction, as in 「言論統制」; 「操作」 focuses on running machines or manipulating data and opinion.
• Related管制かんせいNeutralControl by the state or an authority, as in 「報道管制」 or 「航空管制」; 「操作」 is operating machines or manipulating data.
• Related統括とうかつWrittenWritten/formal prose: managing everything under one's overall charge, as in 「統括責任者」; 「操作」 is operating machines or manipulating data.
• Related動かすうごかすNeutralSimply makes things move or gets a machine running; 「操作」 stresses making it run by operating the controls, or altering things artificially.
• Related操りあやつりNeutralMeans manipulation, and also a string puppet, as in 「操り人形」; used little as a noun, while 「操作」 usually means operating machines or doctoring data.
• RelatedコントロールNeutralLoanword for controlling or adjusting things, and also a pitcher's control; 「操作」 focuses on running machines or manipulating data.
• Related制御せいぎょNeutralTechnical control of machines, systems or emotions, as in 「自動制御」; 「操作」 is the human act of operating something.
• Related手さばきてさばきNeutralSkillful hand movements, like a chef's knife work or a magician's sleight of hand; 「操作」 means operating a machine or manipulating things artificially.
• Related取り回しとりまわしNeutralHow easily a tool or vehicle can be handled, and also the routing of pipes and cables; 「操作」 is the act of operating something itself.
• Related統御とうぎょWrittenWritten/formal prose, and rare: commanding and controlling an entire organization; 「操作」 is operating machines or manipulating data and opinion.
• Antonym放置ほうちNeutralAntonym: leaving something as is and not dealing with it, as in 「放置自転車」 — the opposite of actively operating it.
• Antonym自然しぜんNeutralAntonym: what happens without human interference, the opposite of artificial manipulation like 「数字を操作する」.

Use 「操作」 for running machines and equipment, or for artificially manipulating data and public opinion. For driving planes, ships and other vehicles, use 「操縦」; for technical control of systems, 「制御」; for skillful command of tools or languages, 「操る」; for simply using or handling things, 「扱い」. 「監督」 and 「管理」 cover supervising people and work, 「規制」「統制」「管制」 restricting by rules, 「支配」 dominating — none for actually operating a machine. 「放置」 and 「自然」 are opposites: leaving things alone instead of operating them.

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

1. 機械きかいなどを動うごかし作業さぎょうさせること。
2. 自分じぶんに都合つごうのよいように手てを加くわえること。
3. 人ひとの意識いしきなどをあやつること。