godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
Used for operating machines, vehicles, or equipment with skill. Implies active, hands-on control.
彼は重機を巧みに操る。
He skillfully operates heavy machinery.
船長が船を
The captain steered the ship into the harbor.
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
have a good command of; play proficiently
Used for languages and musical instruments, emphasizing fluent, skilled use.
彼女は三か国語を自由に操る。
She has a good command of three languages.
彼はピアノを自在に操る。
He plays the piano proficiently.
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
work a puppet; pull the strings of a puppet
Specifically for manipulating puppets or marionettes. Also used metaphorically for controlling people or situations from behind the scenes (see sense 4).
人形遣いが三体の人形を同時に操る。
The puppeteer manipulates three puppets at once.
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
manipulate; pull the strings; control from the shadows
Metaphorical extension of puppet manipulation: controlling people, public opinion, or events secretly or skillfully, often with a negative connotation.
彼は裏で組織を操っていると言われている。
He is said to be manipulating the organization from behind the scenes.
メディアを操って世論を誘導する。
They manipulate the media to steer public opinion.