運転する

§ Mistakes people make with 運転する

When you're learning Japanese, especially verbs, it's easy to make small mistakes that can change the meaning of your sentences. 運転する (untensuru) is a pretty straightforward verb meaning 'to drive,' but there are a few common pitfalls that English speakers tend to fall into. Let's go over them so you can avoid them.

Definition

運転する (untensuru): to drive

One of the most frequent mistakes is confusing it with other verbs related to movement or vehicles. While 運転する specifically means to operate a vehicle, especially a car, people sometimes try to use it for riding in a car, or even for driving something like a nail. Let's clarify.

§ Mistake 1: Using 運転する for 'riding' in a car

In English, we say 'I drove to the store' and 'I rode in the car to the store.' These are distinct actions. In Japanese, 運転する is only for the person actively driving the vehicle. If you are a passenger, you would use a different verb like 乗る (noru), meaning 'to ride' or 'to get on/in.'

Hint: I drove the car. (I was the one operating it.)

Hint: I rode in the car. (I was a passenger.)

§ Mistake 2: Using 運転する for 'driving' an object (like a nail)

In English, 'to drive' has multiple meanings. You can 'drive a car,' but you can also 'drive a nail into wood.' In Japanese, 運転する is strictly for operating a vehicle. If you want to say 'drive a nail,' you would use a completely different verb like 釘を打つ (kugi o utsu), meaning 'to hit a nail.' This might seem obvious, but sometimes learners try to directly translate English phrases.

Hint: He is driving a truck.

Hint: The carpenter drove (hit) the nail.

§ Mistake 3: Incorrectly using particles with 運転する

The particle you use with 運転する is usually を (o) to mark the direct object (what you are driving). For example, 車を運転する (kuruma o untensuru) 'to drive a car.' Sometimes learners might try to use に (ni) or で (de), which can be incorrect in this context for the direct object.

• Correct: 車を運転する (kuruma o untensuru)

• Incorrect (for direct object): 車に運転する (kuruma ni untensuru) or 車で運転する (kuruma de untensuru)

However, で (de) can be used to indicate the means or method of transportation, for example, 車で会社に行く (kuruma de kaisha ni iku), 'to go to the office by car.' But when talking about the act of driving the car itself, を (o) is the particle you want for the direct object.

Hint: He drives a bus every day.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can use 運転する correctly and sound more natural when speaking Japanese. Keep practicing, and you'll master it in no time!