操る · godan verb (-ru)
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 操る | 操らない |
| Polite | 操ります | 操りません |
| Past polite | 操りました | 操りませんでした |
| Past | 操った | 操らなかった |
| Te-form | 操って | 操らないで |
| Desire | 操りたい | 操りたくない |
| Potential | 操れる | 操れない |
| Passive | 操られる | 操られない |
| Causative | 操らせる | 操らせない |
| Causative passive | 操らせられるalso 操らされる | 操らせられないalso 操らされない |
| Volitional | 操ろう | |
| Polite volitional | 操りましょう | |
| Imperative | 操れ | 操るな |
| Conditional | 操れば | 操らなければ |
| Tara conditional | 操ったら | 操らなかったら |
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
Used for operating machines, vehicles, or equipment with skill. Implies active, hands-on control.
He skillfully operates heavy machinery.
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.
She has a good command of three languages.
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).
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.
He is said to be manipulating the organization from behind the scenes.
They manipulate the media to steer public opinion.
He operates the drone with total ease.
She has fluent command of three languages.
The craftsman manipulated the puppet to perform the play.
He was secretly manipulating people from the shadows.
The mastermind was controlling everything from behind the scenes.
puppeteer
Japanese puppet theatre; ningyō jōruri