operate
word
/ˈɑpɝˌeɪt/
AH-puh-rayt
/ˈɒpəɹˌeɪt/
O-puh-rayt
Definition
To operate means to control or use a machine, system, or business so that it works. It can also mean to function, or for a doctor to perform surgery.
Usage & Nuances
Common patterns: 'operate a machine', 'operate a business', and 'operate on someone'. For surgery, use 'operate on', not just 'operate', when naming the patient. In everyday English, 'use' is often more natural than 'operate' for simple devices.
Spanish: operar - funcionar - manejarPortuguese (BR): operar - funcionar - operar/manejarPortuguese (PT): operar - funcionar - operar/manobrarChinese (Simplified): 操作 - 运转 - 做手术Chinese (Traditional): 操作 - 運轉 - 動手術Hindi: संचालित करना - काम करना - ऑपरेशन करनाArabic: يُشغِّل - يعمل - يُجري عملية جراحيةBengali: পরিচালনা করা - চালানো - অপারেশন করা (সার্জারি)Russian: управлять - работать - оперировать (мед.)Japanese: 操作する - 経営する - 手術するVietnamese: vận hành - điều hành - phẫu thuậtKorean: 조작하다 - 운영하다 - 수술하다Turkish: çalıştırmak - işletmek - ameliyat yapmakUrdu: چلانا - کام کرنا - آپریشن کرناIndonesian: mengoperasikan - menjalankan - beroperasi - mengoperasi (bedah)
Example Sentences
This bus company operates in three cities.
basic
We’re a small team, but we operate like a much bigger company.
natural
She knows how to operate the washing machine.
basic
The doctor will operate on his knee tomorrow.
basic
The system keeps crashing, so we can’t operate normally right now.
natural
You need a license to operate heavy equipment.
natural