Japanese symbol for “operate”
操る
あやつる
Romaji: ayatsuru
to operate (e.g. a machine); to handle; to manage; to control
In Japanese, operate is 操る, read あやつる (ayatsuru).
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
- v5r, vt to operate (e.g. a machine); to handle; to manage; to control; to maneuver; to steer
- v5r, vt to have a good command of (a language); to play proficiently (of a musical instrument)
- v5r, vt to work (a puppet); to pull the strings of a puppet
- v5r, vt to manipulate (a person, public opinion, etc.); to pull the strings; to control from the shadows; to mastermind
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “operate”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 営む | いとなむ itonamu | to run (a business); to operate; to conduct |
| 扱う | あつかう atsukau | to operate (e.g. a machine); to handle; to work |
| 取り扱う | とりあつかう toriatsukau | to handle; to operate (a machine, etc.); to use |
| 動かす | うごかす ugokasu | to operate; to set in motion; to get going |
| 回す | まわす mawasu | to operate (e.g. business, shop) |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 操作 | そうさ sousa | operation; management; handling |
| 体操 | たいそう taisou | gymnastics; physical exercises |
| 操縦 | そうじゅう soujuu | steering; piloting; flying |
| 操業 | そうぎょう sougyou | operation (of a machine, factory, fishing boat, etc.); work |
| 節操 | せっそう sessou | integrity; fidelity; constancy |
See also: Chinese symbol for “operate”.
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.
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