manipulate / operate
N2- Onyomi
- ソウ
- Kunyomi
- あやつ(る)
- Stroke count
- 16
- JLPT
- N2
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 操 down and you get 扌 (hand) — a hand reaching in from the left, and beside it 喿 (many voices) — a tree full of small mouths, all chattering at once. Picture two cupped hands together, offering something held between them, put 操 inside it, and let that scene stand for "manipulate" — manipulate / operate. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 16
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は16画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 16 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
操縦
soujuu
piloting
操作
sousa
operation (of a machine)
操る
ayatsuru
to manipulate
操業
sougyou
operation (of factory)
操って
ayatsutte
manipulate — te-form
操作する
sousasuru
to do operation (of a machine)
Example sentences (4)
パイロットが飛行機を操縦します。
ぱいろっと が ひこうき を そうじゅう します。
pairotto ga hikouki o soujuu shimasu.
The pilot flies the airplane.
免許がない者が操縦することは、法律で禁じられています。
めんきょ が ない もの が そうじゅう する こと は、ほうりつ で きんじられています。
menkyo ga nai mono ga soujuu suru koto wa, houritsu de kinjirareteimasu.
Operating it without a license is prohibited by law.
この機械の操作は簡単です。
この きかい の そうさ は かんたん です。
kono kikai no sousa wa kantan desu.
Operating this machine is easy.
操作が分からない場合は、マニュアルを見てください。
そうさ が わからない ばあい は、まにゅある を みて ください。
sousa ga wakaranai baai wa, manyuaru o mite kudasai.
If you do not understand how to operate it, please look at the manual.