操: the kanji for operate; manipulate
操 is a JLPT N1 kanji that means operate; manipulate. Below are its readings, 6 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
操 is written in 16 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
操 has 3 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 6 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ソウ (sou)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 操作そうさ · sōsa | operation |
| 操縦そうじゅう · sōjū | piloting; steering |
| 体操たいそう · taisō | gymnastics; exercises |
みさお (misao)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 操みさお · misao | fidelity; chastity |
あやつる (ayatsuru)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 操るあやつる · ayatsuru | to operate; to manipulate |
| 操り人形あやつりにんぎょう · ayatsuri ningyō | puppet |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 毎朝ラジオ体操をしている。Maiasa rajio taisō o shite iru.I do radio calisthenics every morning.
- この機械の操作は簡単だ。Kono kikai no sōsa wa kantan da.This machine is easy to operate.
- パイロットが飛行機を操縦する。Pairotto ga hikōki o sōjū suru.The pilot flies the plane.
- 彼女は三か国語を自由に操る。Kanojo wa sankakokugo o jiyū ni ayatsuru.She speaks three languages freely.
- 人形劇で操り人形が踊った。Ningyōgeki de ayatsuri ningyō ga odotta.A puppet danced in the puppet show.
Questions about 操
How many strokes does 操 have?
操 is written in 16 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 操?
The on readings are sou (ソウ). The kun readings are misao (みさお), ayatsuru (あやつる).
What JLPT level is 操?
N1. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N1 is designed to match the former Level 1.
More JLPT N1 kanji
Movement and actions
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 操
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.