1.
operation, control, manipulation
The act of working or controlling a machine, device, or system.
この機械の操作は簡単だ。
This machine is easy to operate.
操作方法を教えてください。
Please teach me how to operate it.
スマホの操作に慣れていない高齢者も多い。
Many elderly people are not used to operating smartphones.
2.
manipulation
The act of controlling or influencing something or someone cleverly.
データを操作した疑いがある。
There are suspicions that the data was manipulated.
世論操作は民主主義への脅威だ。
Manipulation of public opinion is a threat to democracy.
選挙結果が操作されたのではないかという声が上がっている。
Voices are being raised questioning whether the election results were manipulated.
操作する is used as a する-verb meaning "to operate" or "to manipulate."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 操作する (to operate, to manipulate)
- 操作方法 (operating procedure)
- 操作パネル (control panel)
- 遠隔操作 (remote control/operation)
- 世論操作 (manipulation of public opinion)
HOMOPHONE:
操作 (operation) vs 捜査 (investigation) - same reading, different meaning.