操業中(そうぎょうちゅう)

Composed of 操業(そうぎょう) (operation, production) and 中(ちゅう) (during, in the middle of). The 中(ちゅう) suffix is commonly attached to activity nouns to indicate the activity is currently in progress, following the same pattern as 営業中(えいぎょうちゅう) (open for business) and 工事中(こうじちゅう) (under construction).

操業(そうぎょう) specifically refers to the operation of factories, plants, mines, and fishing vessels — not general business operations. This distinguishes it from 営業(えいぎょう) (business, sales) which is used for shops and service businesses.

Common collocations

• 操業中(そうぎょうちゅう)の工場(こうじょう): factory in operation
• 24時間(にじゅうよじかん)操業中(そうぎょうちゅう): operating 24 hours
• 操業中(そうぎょうちゅう)に事故(じこ)が起(お)きる: an accident occurs during operation
• 操業中(そうぎょうちゅう)の漁船(ぎょせん): fishing vessel in operation

Similar words

• 営業中(えいぎょうちゅう): open for business — used for shops, restaurants, and service establishments
• 稼働中(かどうちゅう): running, in service — used for machines, systems, and equipment
• 操業(そうぎょう): operation — the base noun without the "currently" implication
• 操業停止(そうぎょうていし): suspension of operations — the opposite state