Japanese symbol for “manipulate”
使う
つかう
Romaji: tsukau
to use (a tool, method, etc.); to make use of; to put to use
In Japanese, manipulate is 使う, read つかう (tsukau).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- v5u, vt to use (a tool, method, etc.); to make use of; to put to use
- v5u, vt to use (a person, animal, puppet, etc.); to employ; to handle; to manage; to manipulate
- v5u, vt to use (time, money, etc.); to spend; to consume
- v5u, vt to use (language); to speak
Written forms: 使う、遣う. Readings: つかう.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “manipulate”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 操る | あやつる ayatsuru | to manipulate (a person, public opinion, etc.); to pull the strings; to control from the shadows |
| 踊らす | おどらす odorasu | to manipulate (someone); to make (someone) dance to one's tune; to lead astray |
| 踊らせる | おどらせる odoraseru | to manipulate (someone); to make (someone) dance to one's tune; to lead astray |
| 絡繰る | からくる karakuru | to manipulate; to pull strings; to devise a mechanism |
| マニピュレイト | マニピュレイト manipyureito | manipulate |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 使用 | しよう shiyou | use; application; employment |
| 使い | つかい tsukai | errand; mission; going on an errand |
| 大使館 | たいしかん taishikan | embassy |
| 行使 | こうし koushi | use; exercise (of one's right, authority, power, etc.) |
| 大使 | たいし taishi | ambassador |
See also: Chinese symbol for “manipulate”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.