Chinese word

操作

Pronunciation

Pinyincāo zuò

Meaning

  • verboperate

Example

操作这个机器有点难，你能教我吗？cāo zuò zhè ge jī qì yóu diǎn nán nǐ néng jiào wǒ ma

This machine is a bit hard to operate. Can you teach me?

Illustration for 操作 (operate)

More examples

请小心操作按钮，避免按错。qǐng xiǎo xīn cāo zuò àn niǔ bì miǎn àn cuò

Please use the button carefully to avoid pressing the wrong one.

Core concept

A person applies hands or tools in a controlled way to make a device, object, or system respond as intended.

Common phrases

  • 正确操作zhèng què cāo zuò

    operate properly

  • 手动操作shǒu dòng cāo zuò

    operate by hand

  • 操作按钮cāo zuò àn niǔ

    use the button

Similar words

使用shǐ yòng: Put a tool, object, or word to a suitable use.
控制kòng zhì: Direct and regulate how an object or machine moves.
操纵cāo zòng: Guide a person or thing to move as desired through deliberate methods.
运行yùn xíng: Be running and functioning as a machine, system, or program.

Definition in Chinese

用手或借助工具按照一定的方法使物体、机器或系统发生预期的动作或变化的行为。yòng shǒu huò jiè zhù gōng jù àn zhào yí dìng de fāng fǎ shǐ wù tǐ jī qì huò xì tǒng fā shēng yù qī de dòng zuò huò biàn huà de xíng wéi

Word origin

操 (cāo, "handle") + 作 (zuò, "do") forms 操作 (cāozuò, "operate"), linking careful handling with purposeful action.

Usage tips

  • In everyday instructions, this word often belongs to a technical setting, covering buttons, machines, software, and other systems rather than ordinary physical movement.

Other meanings

  • handleverb
  • operationnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 操作台cāo zuò táicontrol panelnoun
  • 操作员cāo zuò yuánoperatornoun

Word lists with this word