Translation guide
The English word "operation" covers a wide range of meanings, from medical procedures and business activities to mechanical functioning and military actions. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Referring to a surgical operation.
The standard word for a surgical operation. Used as a noun or with する to mean 'to operate'.
彼は心臓の手術を受けた。
He had a heart operation.
明日、手術をします。
I will have an operation tomorrow.
Short for オペレーション, commonly used in medical contexts, especially in hospitals. Casual.
オペは成功した。
The operation was successful.
Referring to the functioning or running of a business, system, or organization.
Refers to the management or running of an organization, business, or event. Often used for ongoing operations.
会社の運営は順調だ。
The company's operations are going smoothly.
この施設は市が運営している。
This facility is operated by the city.
Specifically refers to the operation of a factory, plant, or industrial facility.
Refers to business operations, duties, or tasks. Often used in formal contexts.
Referring to the way a machine, device, or system works.
Refers to the operation or movement of a machine, device, or system. Often used for technical descriptions.
この機械の動作は静かだ。
The operation of this machine is quiet.
ボタンを押すと動作を開始します。
It starts operation when you press the button.
Similar to 動作, but often implies activation or triggering of a mechanism. Common in engineering.
Refers to the act of operating or manipulating a machine, device, or system. Focuses on human control.
Referring to a planned military or police activity.
The standard term for a military or tactical operation. Also used metaphorically for strategies.
大規模な軍事作戦が行われた。
A large-scale military operation was carried out.
警察の捜査作戦
police operation
Referring to a mathematical operation or a computer operation.
The standard term for mathematical or logical operations in computing and mathematics.
コンピューターは高速で演算を行う。
The computer performs operations at high speed.
四則演算
the four basic arithmetic operations
Can also refer to a computer operation, especially user actions like clicking or typing.
ファイル操作
file operation
Referring to the skill or action of controlling a vehicle or heavy machinery.
Primarily used for driving vehicles (cars, trains, etc.). Can also mean operation of machinery.
車の運転が上手だ。
He is good at driving a car.
機械の運転を任される。
To be put in charge of operating a machine.
Used for piloting aircraft, ships, or operating complex machinery. Implies skilled control.
操作 (そうさ) is general for operating devices or systems with hands/controls. 運転 (うんてん) is for driving vehicles or running machinery. 操縦 (そうじゅう) is for piloting aircraft/ships or complex machines requiring skill.
While オペレーション can mean 'operation' in many contexts, in medical settings 手術 (しゅじゅつ) or the shortened オペ is much more natural. Using the full loanword may sound overly technical or foreign.
工場は24時間操業している。
The factory is in operation 24 hours a day.
To carry out daily operations.
The sensor went into operation.
The operation of this device is easy.
Loanword from English, used in military, business, or technical contexts. Often part of a code name.
オペレーションXを開始する。
Commence Operation X.
飛行機を操縦する。
To operate an airplane.