操纵

• Pinyin: cāo zòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 操 = 扌(hand) + 喿, to operate; 纵 = 纟(silk) + 从, to control

Meaning

To control; to manipulate; to operate. Exercising control over machines or people.

Has both neutral and negative connotations. Neutral: operating machinery or equipment (操纵设备). Negative: manipulating people, markets, or situations (操纵市场, 操纵舆论). The negative sense implies hidden or improper control.

Examples

1. 飞行员在驾驶舱里操纵着各种仪器。 The pilot operates various instruments in the cockpit.
2. 有人在幕后操纵这场选举。 Someone is manipulating this election from behind the scenes.
3. 他试图操纵舆论来影响公众的判断。 He tried to manipulate public opinion to influence people's judgment.

Usage Guide

Context: technical, politics, criticism

Tone: varies

Do Say

• 这台机器需要专业人员来操纵。(This machine requires professionals to operate.)
• 不要试图操纵别人的想法。(Don't try to manipulate other people's thoughts.)

Don't Say

• 注意'操纵'的贬义用法 (Be aware that 操纵 often has negative connotations when applied to people or situations, implying improper control)

Origin & History

Compound of 操 (to hold, operate) + 纵 (vertical, to let go). Indicates holding control.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal