Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 操る | ayatsuru | [a̠ja̠t͡sɨɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 制御する | seigyo suru | |
| 支配する | shihai suru | |
| コントロールする | kontorōru suru |
The term 'control' is translated using different verbs depending on whether you are physically manipulating an object, regulating a machine, dominating a person or managing abstract concepts. For instance, 操る can mean to physically handle a tool or, metaphorically, to manipulate or pull the strings of a person. To express technical or mechanical regulation, use 制御する. If the control implies a power dynamic of ruling or dominating, such as a country or a market, use 支配する. For abstract or psychological concepts like stress or emotions, the loanword コントロールする is common. Related nouns include 支配, which means influence or authority and 制御装置, which refers to a control device or apparatus used to govern a machine or system.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the nature of the control: 操る is used for physical manipulation or handling something with skill, such as a puppet or a language. 制御する is specific to technical, mechanical or systemic regulation. 支配する carries a connotation of dominance or rule. コントロールする is frequently used for abstract or psychological situations.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
ayatsuru
Did you know?
- The verb 操る may have originated from the combination of the words for 'thread' and 'to take', implying the act of guiding something by its strings.
- In Japanese pop culture and anime, the word 操る is frequently used when a character is under mind control or being possessed like a puppet.
- While 支配する translates to 'control', it is the standard business term used in 支配権 to describe holding a 'controlling interest' or majority share in a company.
Examples in context
- 自分の感情をコントロールするのは、時として難しい。It's sometimes difficult to control our feelings.This sentence demonstrates using コントロールする to describe managing feelings.Tatoeba #11275669 by bunbuku, translation #264672 by CK
- 人形を操るControl a puppetThis sentence shows the use of 操る for the physical act of handling a puppet.
- 私たちは組織の 管理 に専念しています。We are focusing on the management of the organization.
- 彼は法律による 統制 の必要性を主張しています。He is advocating for the necessity of regulation by law.
- 彼女はプロジェクトの 掌握 に才能を発揮しています。She is demonstrating talent in mastering control of the project.
- ゲームの コントロール をマスターするのは難しいですね。It's challenging to master the control of the game, isn't it?
- スピーチのトーンで聴衆を 操る 方法について話しましょう。Let's talk about techniques to manipulate the audience with speech tones.
- 彼は周囲の人々を巧みに操る。Kare wa shuui no hitobito o takumi ni ayatsuru.He skillfully manipulates the people around him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “control” translations and entries 操る, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 操る, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
