操作
sōsa[so̞ːsa̠]
The English phrase "manipulation" can be translated into Japanese as 操作 (sōsa).
操作 refers to the act of operating or manipulating something technically, such as machinery or computer systems. While it can mean devious manipulation, it is most commonly used in a neutral sense to mean the physical operation of a machine or device.
Meaning: devious management (noun)
Which one should you use?
When referring specifically to the psychological manipulation of people or the act of pulling strings like a puppet, the term 操り is often more natural than 操作. The term 操縦 is used to refer to the manipulation or control of vehicles, aircraft or transportation systems.
How do you pronounce it?
sōsa
Did you know?
- Japanese uses the same root 操 for both the technical operation of a machine and the act of remaining chaste or disciplined in one's personal conduct.
- While 操作 often means technical operation, the word 操り is linked to the traditional 文楽 puppet theater, where masters manipulate complex puppets with three controls.
- In Japanese computing, the phrase 操作ミス describes a 'manipulation mistake', which is the standard way to say 'user error' or 'fat finger error'.
Examples in context
- 彼は情報を操作している。He is manipulating the information.
- 彼は操縦している飛行機をうまく操作した。He skillfully manipulated the airplane he was piloting.
- 彼は操縦棒を操作して急降下を回避した。He manipulated the joystick to avoid a nosedive.
- 彼は人々をうまく操って利益を得た。He manipulated people skillfully and gained profit.
- 彼は彼女を操り、意のままに動かしている。He manipulates her and moves her at his will.
- 巧妙な操作に騙された。koumyou na sousa ni damasareta.I was deceived by clever manipulation.
- 彼は情報を操作しているようだ。kare wa jouhou o sousa shite iru you da.It seems he is manipulating the information.
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are discussing a suspicious news report.
- 結衣 Yuiこのニュース、操作されている気がする。kono nyuusu, sousa sarete iru ki ga suru.I feel like this news is being manipulated.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣の言う通り、不自然な点が多いね。yui no iu toori, fushizen na ten ga ooi ne.Just as you say, Yui, there are many unnatural points.
- 結衣 Yui世論を操作しようとしているのかも。yoron o sousa shiyou to shite iru no kamo.They might be trying to manipulate public opinion.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当に巧妙な操作だね。hontou ni koumyou na sousa da ne.It is truly a clever manipulation.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 操作, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
