Translation guide
The English verb "manipulate" covers a wide range of meanings, from physically handling objects to influencing people in unfair ways. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese expressions for each core meaning.
To use your hands to control or move something with skill.
The most general and neutral word for operating machines, devices, or systems. It implies intentional control.
He is good at manipulating machines.
It's easy to manipulate this software.
Implies skillful, often dexterous control, like manipulating a puppet or a complex tool. Can sound more literary or dramatic than 操作する.
Skillfully manipulate a puppet.
He manipulates the crane freely.
Means to handle, deal with, or operate something. Often used for tools, instruments, or materials. Less emphasis on complex control than 操作する.
Please manipulate this tool carefully.
To make someone think or behave in a certain way, often for selfish reasons.
The most direct equivalent for manipulating people, like pulling strings. Often used in the passive form 操られる.
He is being manipulated by her.
Literally 'move as one wishes'. A common phrase for manipulating someone to do what you want.
Means 'to use a person', implying manipulation for one's own benefit.
He has no hesitation in manipulating people.
Borrowed from English 'mind control'. Used for extreme psychological manipulation, often in cult contexts.
Cults manipulate their followers through mind control.
To change or present information in a misleading way.
Also used for manipulating data, accounts, or information, often with a negative connotation.
He manipulated the data to change the results.
Manipulating the books is a crime.
Specifically means to tamper with or falsify documents, data, or records. Stronger negative nuance than 操作する.
Means to distort or twist facts. Used for manipulating truth or statements.
He manipulated the facts by distorting them.
To move or adjust a body part, often for therapeutic purposes.
Both can mean 'manipulate', but 操作する is more technical and neutral (operating machines, data), while 操る often implies skillful, sometimes cunning control (puppets, people). 操る can sound more literary.
English 'manipulate' covers many concepts. Using 操作する for manipulating people is possible but less common than 操る. For physical handling of objects, 扱う or 操作する are safer choices.
Manipulating the masses is dangerous.
He tries to manipulate his subordinates.
He was arrested on suspicion of manipulating evidence.
理学療法士が患者の足をゆっくり動かした。
The physical therapist gently manipulated the patient's leg.