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 to mean 'to operate'.
He had a heart operation.
I will have an operation tomorrow.
Short for オペレーション, commonly used in medical contexts, especially in hospitals. Casual.
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.
The company's operations are going smoothly.
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.
The operation of this machine is quiet.
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.
Referring to a mathematical operation or a computer operation.
Referring to the skill or action of controlling a vehicle or heavy machinery.
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.
This facility is operated by the city.
工場は24時間操業している。
The factory is in operation 24 hours a day.
日常業務を遂行する。
To carry out daily operations.
センサーが作動した。
The sensor went into operation.
この装置の操作は簡単です。
The operation of this device is easy.
police operation
Loanword from English, used in military, business, or technical contexts. Often part of a code name.
Commence Operation X.
the four basic arithmetic operations
ファイル操作
file operation
To be put in charge of operating a machine.
飛行機を操縦する。
To operate an airplane.