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

HSK 3
Tā bèi rén cāozòng le.
He was manipulated.
HSK 6
Fēixíngyuán cāozòng zhe fēijī.
The pilot is operating the aircraft.
HSK 7-9
Yǒurén zài mùhòu cāozòng xuǎnjǔ.
Someone is manipulating the election behind the scenes.

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