- ayatsuru to operate (e.g. a machine), to handle, to manage, to control, to maneuver, to steer; to have a good command of (a language), to play proficiently (of a musical instrument); to work (a puppet), to pull the strings of a puppet; to manipulate (a person, public opinion, etc.), to pull the strings, to control from the shadows, to mastermind
Used for skillfully manipulating machines, languages, instruments, or people; often implies finesse or control, not mere operation.
彼は三か国語を操る。
Kare wa sankakokugo o ayatsuru.
He has a good command of three languages.
ロボットを遠隔で操る技術。
Robotto o enkaku de ayatsuru gijutsu.
Technology to operate robots remotely.
Press the microphone and say: 操る
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💡 Remove る and add ます (polite), て-form, or た (past).
Found in a wide range of contexts. Useful for building reading and listening fluency.
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