A1 Collocation Neutre

運転する

unten suru

Drive a car

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Use {運転|うんてん}する to describe the act of operating a car or other motor vehicle.

  • Means: To operate or drive a vehicle.
  • Used in: Daily commutes, road trips, or discussing driving skills.
  • Don't confuse: {運転|うんてん} (the noun) with {運転|うんてん}する (the verb).
Car + Person + Steering Wheel = {運転|うんてん}する

Explanation at your level:

Use {運転|うんてん}する to say you drive a car. It is a simple verb for operating a vehicle.
This verb is used for controlling cars or machines. It is a standard 'suru' verb, meaning you can conjugate it easily for past or negative forms.
Beyond simple driving, this term covers the operation of complex machinery. It is essential for discussing transportation habits and professional roles in a Japanese context.
In professional settings, {運転|うんてん}する can metaphorically describe the management of systems or projects, though this is less common than the literal usage.
The term reflects the precision required in Japanese driving culture. It distinguishes clearly between the operator and the passenger, emphasizing individual responsibility in transit.
Linguistically, the term bridges the gap between mechanical operation and human agency. It highlights the cultural emphasis on safety and mastery in Japanese society.

Signification

To operate a vehicle.

🌍

Contexte culturel

Driving on the left side of the road is mandatory. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited with zero tolerance.

💡

Particle usage

Always use 'o' (を) with 'unten suru'.

Signification

To operate a vehicle.

💡

Particle usage

Always use 'o' (を) with 'unten suru'.

Teste-toi

Which sentence is correct for the driver?

A: 車に乗ります B: 車を運転します

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : B

B indicates you are the operator.

🎉 Score : /1

Questions fréquentes

1 questions

No, use 'noru' for bikes.

Expressions liées

🔗

安全運転

specialized form

Safe driving

Où l'utiliser

🚗

Road Trip

A: 誰が{運転|うんてん}する？

B: 私が{運転|うんてん}するよ。

informal
💼

Job Interview

Interviewer: 車を{運転|うんてん}できますか？

Candidate: はい、{運転|うんてん}できます。

formal

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'UN' (UNited Nations) car 'TEN' (10) people are driving.

Visual Association

A person with 10 hands on the steering wheel.

Story

I wanted to go to the store. I sat in the driver's seat. I started to {運転|うんてん}する. The car moved forward.

Word Web

車免許道路安全助手席交通

Défi

Describe your commute to work or school in 3 sentences.

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Conducir

Japanese uses a 'suru' verb structure.

French high

Conduire

French has gendered nouns, Japanese does not.

German moderate

Fahren

German is ambiguous regarding passenger status.

Japanese self

運転する

None.

Arabic moderate

يقود (Yaqood)

Arabic verb conjugation is much more complex than Japanese.

Easily Confused

運転する vs 乗る (Noru)

Learners use this for driving.

Use 'noru' for riding, 'unten suru' for driving.

FAQ (1)

No, use 'noru' for bikes.

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