操纵

操縱
cāozòng
verb HSK 6 #4,413

Meanings

  1. 1 to operate; to control (a machine)
  2. 2 to manipulate; to pull strings

Characters

To handle and direct — controlling something's movement, whether literally (a machine) or figuratively (people).

Examples

Fēixíngyuán cāozòng zhe fēijī.
The pilot is operating the aircraft.
Yǒurén zài mùhòu cāozòng xuǎnjǔ.
Someone is manipulating the election behind the scenes.
Tā bèi rén cāozòng le.
He was manipulated.
Zhè tái jīqì hěn róngyì cāozòng.
This machine is easy to operate.

Tips

usage
操纵 is neutral when referring to machines (operate/control) but negative when referring to people (manipulate). 操纵市场 (manipulate the market), 幕后操纵 (puppet-mastering behind the scenes).

Stroke Order

cāo
zòng