JLPT N1 · 16 strokes
Kanji 操: "maneuver, manipulate, operate"
The kanji 操 means "maneuver, manipulate, operate, steer, chastity, virginity". It is written with 16 strokes and belongs to JLPT level N1, read ソウ, サン in on'yomi and みさお, あやつ.る in kun'yomi.
Stroke order
Strokes are written in the order of the numbers. The order is not decorative: it is what gives the character its balance, and it is also how handwriting search works in Japanese dictionaries.
Readings
On'yomi (Sino-Japanese reading)
ソウサン
Kun'yomi (native Japanese reading)
みさおあやつ.る
In a kun'yomi reading, the dot separates the kanji from its okurigana: かた.る is read かたる and written 語る. A hyphen marks a bound position, like -び in 日.
At a glance
| Meaning | maneuver, manipulate, operate, steer, chastity, virginity |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 16 |
| JLPT level | N1 |
| Taught in Japan | grade 6 |
| Frequency rank | 1016 of 2,501 |
Common words with 操
The most frequent words using this kanji, most common first, with furigana readings. Click one to open it in the reader.
- 操作operation; management; handling · manipulating (to one's benefit); manipulation; influencing
- 操るto operate (e.g. a machine); to handle; to manage; to control · to have a good command of (a language); to play proficiently (of a musical instrument)
- 操縦steering; piloting; flying; control · management (of people); handling; manipulation; maneuvering
- 操fidelity; honour; honor; constancy · chastity (of a woman); faithfulness (e.g. to one's husband)
- 体操gymnastics; physical exercises · artistic gymnastics; gymnastics competition
- 操り人形puppet; marionette
- 貞操chastity; virtue; fidelity
- 節操integrity; fidelity; constancy; principle
- 遠隔操作remote control; remote operation
- 体操服gym clothes; gym uniform; PE kit
- 操縦席(pilot or driver's) seat; cockpit
- 体操着gym clothes; gym uniform; PE kit
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