Translation guide
The English verb "operate" covers several distinct meanings: running a machine, performing surgery, running a business, and functioning in a certain way. Japanese uses different verbs for each of these contexts.
To use, control, or make a machine or device work.
General term for operating machines, equipment, or systems. Neutral and widely used.
この機械の操作方法を教えてください。
Please show me how to operate this machine.
He is good at operating computers.
Literally 'to move something'. Used for operating machines by making them move or run. More casual than 操作する.
このボタンを押すと機械が動きます。
Press this button and the machine will operate.
Means 'to handle' or 'to deal with'. Used for operating tools or equipment, often implying skill or careful handling.
彼は重機を扱う資格を持っている。
He is qualified to operate heavy machinery.
To perform a surgical operation.
The standard term for performing surgery. Can be used for both the doctor operating and the patient undergoing surgery (with context).
医者は患者の心臓を手術した。
The doctor operated on the patient's heart.
彼は盲腸の手術を受けた。
He was operated on for appendicitis.
Casual abbreviation of 'Operation', used in medical contexts. Common in hospital dramas or informal talk among medical staff.
今日は午後からオペする予定だ。
I'm scheduled to operate this afternoon.
To run, manage, or conduct the activities of a business, system, or service.
Used for managing or running organizations, businesses, websites, events, etc. Focuses on the ongoing management aspect.
この会社は24時間体制で運営されている。
This company operates around the clock.
彼女はNPOを運営している。
She operates an NPO.
Specifically for running a business, focusing on management and financial aspects. Often used for companies, stores, restaurants.
父は小さなレストランを経営している。
My father operates a small restaurant.
Means 'to carry out' or 'to conduct'. Used for operating services, flights, events, etc. More formal.
To function or work in a specified manner; to behave or act.
Used for machines, systems, or devices functioning. Emphasizes the mechanical or automatic operation.
エアコンが正常に作動していない。
The air conditioner is not operating properly.
Means 'to function'. Used for systems, organizations, or abstract things operating as intended.
新しいシステムはまだ完全に機能していない。
The new system is not yet fully operating.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to move' or 'to work'. Common in everyday speech for machines operating.
操作する is the most general and formal for operating machines. 動かす is more casual and implies physical movement. 扱う suggests skillful handling, often used for tools or equipment requiring expertise.
リモコンでエアコンを操作する。
Operate the air conditioner with the remote.
スイッチを入れて機械を動かす。
Turn on the switch to operate the machine.
彼はフォークリフトを扱える。
He can operate a forklift.
The loanword オペレートする exists but is not commonly used. It may sound unnatural or overly technical. Stick to the Japanese verbs listed above.
この機械の操作方法を知っていますか？
Do you know how to operate this machine?
外科医は彼女の膝を手術した。
The surgeon operated on her knee.
彼らはコーヒーショップのチェーンを経営している。
They operate a chain of coffee shops.
その機械は電気で動く。
The machine operates on electricity.
その航空会社は国際線を毎日行っている。
The airline operates international flights daily.
This clock doesn't operate because the battery is dead.