操縦

• Reading: そうじゅう
• Romaji: soujuu
• Kanji breakdown: 操 (sou) — operate, manipulate; 縦 (juu) — vertical, free, release
• Pronunciation: /soː.dʑɯː/

Meaning

Operation; control; piloting. Handling machinery or vehicles, or managing people skilfully.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (操縦する). Primary meaning is piloting vehicles: 飛行機を操縦する (to pilot a plane), 操縦席 (cockpit). Extended meaning involves skilful manipulation: 人を操縦する (to manipulate someone). Related terms include 操縦士 (pilot) and 操縦桿 (control stick).

Examples

1. パイロットが飛行機を操縦して安全に着陸した。 The pilot flew the plane and landed it safely.
2. 小型ボートの操縦を習いたい。 I want to learn how to operate a small boat.
3. ドローンの操縦には練習が必要だ。 Operating a drone requires practice.

Usage Guide

Context: aviation, vehicles, technology

Tone: technical

Origin & History

Compound of 操 (sou, to manipulate/operate) and 縦 (juu, vertical/free). Together, 'operating freely' — having skilled control over machinery or situations.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal