Translation guide
The English word 'operator' covers several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese word based on whether they mean a machine operator, a business or service operator, a telephone operator, a mathematical or logical operator, or a person who is skilled at manipulating situations.
To refer to someone who controls or runs a machine, vehicle, or piece of equipment.
The most direct and common loanword for a machine operator, especially in industrial or technical contexts.
彼は工場のオペレーターとして働いています。
He works as an operator in a factory.
Specifically for drivers of vehicles like taxis, buses, or trucks. Not used for stationary machinery.
A more formal or technical term for an operator of equipment, often used in manuals or official titles.
この機械は訓練を受けた操作員のみが使用できます。
This machine may only be used by trained operators.
To refer to an entity that operates a business, service, or system.
To refer to a person who answers calls and assists customers.
To refer to a symbol representing an operation in math, programming, or logic.
To describe someone who is skilled at handling people or situations, often with a nuance of cunning.
Describes a capable, shrewd person who gets things done, often in business or social maneuvering. Can be positive or negative depending on context.
The English phrase 'smooth operator' does not translate directly. Use やり手 (yarite) for a capable person, or describe the behavior with phrases like 人たらし (hitotarashi, charmer) or 口がうまい (kuchi ga umai, smooth talker).
彼は口がうまいから気をつけて。
He's a smooth operator, so be careful.
タクシーの運転手に道を教えた。
I gave directions to the taxi driver.
General term for an operator of a business, website, event, or service. Emphasizes management and running of operations.
このサイトの運営者に問い合わせてください。
Please contact the operator of this site.
Often used in legal or business contexts for a business operator or service provider.
通信事業者が新しいプランを発表した。
The telecom operator announced a new plan.
Also used for a tour operator or a company that organizes travel packages.
旅行のオペレーターにツアーを予約した。
I booked a tour with a travel operator.
The standard term for a telephone operator or call center agent.
オペレーターにおつなぎします。
I'll connect you to an operator.
An older term for a telephone switchboard operator, now rarely used except in historical contexts.
昔は交換手が電話をつないでいた。
In the past, operators connected phone calls.
The standard term in mathematics and programming for operators like +, -, *, /.
このプログラミング言語では、+は加算演算子です。
In this programming language, + is the addition operator.
Used in advanced mathematics, especially functional analysis, for operators on functions.
線形作用素の理論を勉強している。
I'm studying the theory of linear operators.
彼はなかなかのやり手だ。
He's quite an operator.
A strategist or schemer, emphasizing cunning planning. Often has a negative connotation.
彼は裏で糸を引く策士だ。
He's an operator who pulls strings behind the scenes.