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March 24, 2026
操作cāozuò(cao1zuo4)
The verb 操作 (cāozuò) refers to the act of working with machinery, tools, or systems to achieve a specific outcome. It encompasses various contexts such as operating equipment, manipulating software, or managing tasks in a professional environment. This word is often used in technical and business settings, highlighting the precision and skill involved in the process.
Frequency#4135DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In modern Chinese workplaces, the ability to 操作 technology is essential, reflecting the country's rapid technological advancement. Mastering this term is important for engaging in discussions about innovation and efficiency in various industries.
Memory Tip
Imagine a skilled operator (操) with a joystick (作) controlling a complex machine. The joystick represents the idea of controlling or manipulating, while the operator symbolizes the action of working or operating. This vivid imagery helps connect the character’s meaning to its pronunciation, 'cāozuò'.
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AI Study Notes for 操作
Quick Contrast
操作 (cāozuò) vs 运行 (yùnxíng) — use 操作 when emphasizing the act of manipulating tools or systems, while 运行 focuses on the functioning or operation of a system itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a skilled operator (操) with a joystick (作) controlling a complex machine. The joystick represents the idea of controlling or manipulating, while the operator symbolizes the action of working or operating. This vivid imagery helps connect the character’s meaning to its pronunciation, 'cāozuò'.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 操作 with the more general verb 做 (zuò), which means 'to do' or 'to make'. 操作 is typically used in more formal or technical contexts. Common collocations include 操作系统 (operating system) and 操作流程 (operating procedures).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 操作 connects with other technical terms at this level, such as 运行 (yùnxíng, to run) and 控制 (kòngzhì, to control). Focus on understanding its application in different contexts, especially in technology and business.
Cultural Note
In modern Chinese workplaces, the ability to 操作 technology is essential, reflecting the country's rapid technological advancement. Mastering this term is important for engaging in discussions about innovation and efficiency in various industries.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 操作 in casual contexts where simpler verbs like 做 (zuò) would suffice. For instance, saying '我操作吃饭' (wǒ cāozuò chīfàn) is incorrect; it should be '我做饭' (wǒ zuò fàn, I cook).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 操作
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Grammar Patterns of 操作
操作 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
不容置疑的事实是，电脑执行逻辑____指令。
The indisputable fact is that computers carry out logical operations.
Example Sentences for 操作 (10)
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1
不容置疑的事实是，电脑执行逻辑操作指令。
bù róng zhì yí de shì shí shì， ， diàn nǎo zhí háng luó jí cāo zuò zhǐ。
The indisputable fact is that computers carry out logical operations.
The worst part of the set-up is the poor instruction manual.
10
把它放在操作台上就行了。
bǎ tā fàng zài cāo zuò tái shàng jiù háng le。
It can simply be left on the work surface.
Cultural Notes for 操作
🏮Cultural insight
In modern Chinese workplaces, the ability to 操作 technology is essential, reflecting the country's rapid technological advancement. Mastering this term is important for engaging in discussions about innovation and efficiency in various industries.
Frequently Asked Questions about 操作
While it can be used informally, it is more commonly associated with technical or professional contexts.
Synonyms include 处理 (chǔlǐ, to handle) and 操控 (cāokòng, to manipulate), but their usage may vary depending on context.
No, it can also refer to the manipulation of data or processes, especially in business and IT.
