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A1 noun #2,985 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

動作

dōsa Top 2,985

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 動作 en 30 secondes

Explication 動作 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 動作 (dousa) as a noun that means 'movement' or 'action'. Think of it as a more formal way to say 'moving'. You will mostly see it in simple sentences describing how someone moves, like 'He moves fast'. At this stage, just focus on the physical movement aspect. You might hear it when a teacher tells you to copy their 'dousa' (movements) in a physical activity. It's a useful word to know when you want to describe a person's physical actions in a slightly more polite or clear way than just using the verb 'to move'. Imagine a robot or a person doing a specific task—each step they take is a 'dousa'. For example, 'Dousa ga hayai' means 'The movement is fast'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just treat it as a noun describing a physical action.

At the A2 level, you start to see 動作 used in the context of machines and electronics. If you have a Japanese smartphone or use Japanese software, you might see this word in the settings or help menus. It often refers to how the device 'works' or 'operates'. You'll learn the phrase 'dousa suru', which means 'to operate' or 'to function'. For example, if your computer is working fine, you can say it is 'seijou ni dousa shite iru' (operating normally). You will also start using it with simple adjectives to describe the performance of things, like 'dousa ga osoi' (the operation is slow). This is very common when talking about technology that isn't running smoothly. You're moving from just 'people moving' to 'things working'.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 動作 in more specific and professional contexts. You'll encounter it in sports coaching, music lessons, or when discussing efficiency. You'll learn compound words like 'dousa-kakunin' (operation check). If you work in an office, you might use this to confirm that a printer or a new piece of software is functioning correctly. You'll also notice the difference between 'dousa' and 'ugoki'. 'Dousa' sounds more professional and analytical. You might describe an athlete's 'dousa' as 'muda ga nai' (having no wasted movement). At this level, you should be comfortable using 'dousa' to describe both human physical form and the technical functionality of devices in a variety of standard situations.

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At the B2 level, 動作 becomes a key part of your technical and descriptive vocabulary. You will use it to analyze complex systems or behaviors. You'll learn terms like 'dousa-genri' (principle of operation) or 'dousa-kankyou' (operating environment/system requirements). You'll be able to explain how a machine works in detail using this word. In literature or higher-level reading, you might see 'dousa' used to describe a character's mannerisms in a way that reveals their personality. You'll also start to see it in legal or formal instructions, such as 'kinshi-dousa' (prohibited actions). You should be able to distinguish 'dousa' from 'kyodou' (behavior/conduct) and 'sadou' (activation of a mechanism), using each precisely in reports or presentations.

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At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the subtle nuances and specialized applications of 動作. This includes its use in fields like biomechanics, cognitive science, and advanced software architecture. You might discuss 'dousa-bunseki' (motion analysis) in a scientific context or 'dousa-model' (behavioral model) in programming. You'll understand how 'dousa' can refer to the 'execution' of logic in a philosophical or highly technical sense. You will also be sensitive to the stylistic choice of using 'dousa' in formal writing to create a clinical, objective tone. You can use it to describe the functioning of abstract systems, like the 'dousa' of a political body or an economic framework, though this is metaphorical. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's in professional or academic settings.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 動作, including its most obscure and literary uses. You understand its role in the history of Japanese performing arts, where 'dousa' is not just movement but a manifestation of 'ma' (space/timing) and 'kokyu' (breath). You can engage in deep technical discussions about 'dousa-shousai' (operational details) in high-level engineering or discuss the 'dousa' of a character in classical literature as a reflection of their social standing and internal state. You are aware of how the word has evolved and can use it with absolute precision in any context, from a casual joke about a 'robotic' friend to a doctoral thesis on human-computer interaction. You also recognize its presence in idiomatic expressions and can manipulate its formality to suit any audience.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

動作 en 30 secondes

動作 (dousa) means 'movement' or 'operation'.
Used for both human physical actions and machine/software functions.
More formal and technical than the general word 'ugoki'.
Common in sports, traditional arts, and technology contexts.

The Japanese word 動作 (どうさ - dousa) is a versatile and essential term that bridges the gap between biological movement and mechanical operation. At its core, it refers to the physical movements or actions performed by a living being, particularly humans, or the functional operations of a machine or software program. Unlike the more general word ugoki (動き), which can describe any kind of motion, dousa implies a specific, often purposeful or systematic series of movements or a specific function being executed.

Human Context: In daily conversation, dousa is used to describe how a person carries themselves or performs a task. For example, in sports, a coach might analyze a player's dousa to improve their form. In traditional Japanese arts like the tea ceremony (Sado) or Kabuki theater, the precision and grace of one's dousa are paramount, representing years of discipline and refinement.

彼の動作は非常に機敏だ (Kare no dousa wa hijou ni kibin da).
His movements are extremely agile.

Mechanical Context: In the realm of technology and engineering, dousa refers to how a device or software functions. When you buy a new computer and check if it turns on and runs programs correctly, you are performing a dousa kakunin (operation check). It describes the execution of logic and physical tasks by hardware, such as a robotic arm moving or an application processing data.

Furthermore, dousa is often paired with adjectives like nibui (slow/sluggish) or hayai (fast). If your smartphone is lagging, you might say its dousa is heavy or slow. This word is indispensable in modern Japan, appearing in product manuals, medical reports describing physical rehabilitation, and software development cycles. It encapsulates the 'how' of an action—the specific manner in which an entity transits from one state to another through motion or logic.

このアプリは動作が不安定です (Kono apuri wa dousa ga futei desu).
This app's operation is unstable.

In a sociological sense, dousa can also refer to the subconscious habits of movement that define a culture. The way Japanese people bow, handle chopsticks, or even sit on a tatami mat are all categorized as specific dousa that are taught from a young age. Therefore, mastering the word dousa allows you to talk about everything from the grace of a dancer to the troubleshooting of a malfunctioning laptop.

Using 動作 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as a noun that often acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It is frequently followed by the particle ga (が) to describe the quality of an action, or combined with suru (する) in specific compound forms, though dousa suru as a direct verb is primarily reserved for machines and software.

Describing Quality: When you want to describe how someone or something moves, use the pattern: [Subject] + no + dousa + ga + [Adjective]. For instance, 'Kanojo no dousa ga utsukushii' (Her movements are beautiful). Common adjectives include nibui (dull/slow), kibin (agile), and omoi (heavy/laggy).

パソコンの動作が遅くなった (Pasokon no dousa ga osoku natta).
The PC's operation has become slow.

Technical Operation: In technical manuals, you will see dousa suru used to mean 'to function' or 'to run'. Example: 'Kono kikai wa denchi de dousa shimasu' (This machine operates on batteries). It describes the state of being functional.

正常に動作することを確認してください (Seijou ni dousa suru koto o kakunin shite kudasai).
Please confirm that it is operating normally.

Another common usage is in the compound dousa-furyou (動作不良), which means 'malfunction'. If you are returning a defective product, this is the term you would use. Similarly, dousa-kankyou (動作環境) refers to system requirements for software. It is a word that thrives in environments where precision and functionality are evaluated.

Compound Usage: Dousa often combines with other nouns: dousa-genri (principle of operation), dousa-sekkei (behavioral design), and dousa-bunseki (motion analysis). These are used in specialized fields like engineering and sports science.

一連の動作を自動化する (Ichiren no dousa o jidouka suru).
Automate a series of actions/movements.

Whether you are describing the elegant gestures of a dancer or the internal processing of a supercomputer, dousa provides the necessary level of technical detail and formal nuance that simpler words lack. It allows for a more clinical or professional description of motion.

The word 動作 is ubiquitous in Japanese life, though the context shifts significantly depending on where you are. In professional settings, specifically IT and manufacturing, you will hear it daily. In a tech company, developers discuss whether a new feature's dousa is stable across different browsers. If a bug is found, they might say the dousa is unintended.

Electronics Stores: If you visit a shop like Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera, you'll see signs for 'dousa kakunin-zumi' (operation confirmed) on second-hand electronics. This gives customers peace of mind that the used camera or laptop functions as expected. Staff might also use the term when explaining the features of a high-end massage chair or a robotic vacuum.

この中古スマホは動作保証がありません (Kono chuuko sumaho wa dousa hoshou ga arimasen).
This used smartphone has no operation guarantee.

Sports and Physical Therapy: At a gym or a clinic, a physical therapist might evaluate your dousa to see if your posture is causing pain. They might say, 'Sono dousa wa koshi ni futan ga kakarimasu' (That movement puts a burden on your lower back). Athletes also use this word when talking about refining their shooting form or running stride.

In anime and sci-fi, dousa is the standard term for the movements of mecha (giant robots) or androids. Characters often shout about a robot's dousa being too slow or needing to synchronize their dousa with a pilot's brainwaves. This highlights the technical, almost clinical nature of the word.

ロボットの動作をプログラミングする (Robotto no dousa o puroguramingu suru).
Programming the robot's movements/operations.

Finally, in the arts, you’ll hear it in traditional dance (Nihon Buyo) or martial arts (Budo). Here, every dousa has a name and a specific way it must be performed. The beauty of the performance is judged by the economy and precision of these dousa. It is a word that spans the most ancient traditions and the most cutting-edge technologies of Japan.

While 動作 is a common word, learners often confuse it with other terms related to movement or action. The most frequent mistake is using dousa when ugoki (動き) or koudou (行動) would be more appropriate. Understanding the nuance of each is key to sounding natural.

Dousa vs. Ugoki: Ugoki is a broad, casual term for any movement. You would say 'Kaze de ha ga ugoite iru' (Leaves are moving in the wind), but you would not use dousa for leaves. Dousa requires an agent (a person or a machine) performing a structured action. Using dousa for natural phenomena sounds like you're implying the leaves are robots.

❌ 風の動作 (Kaze no dousa)
✅ 風の動き (Kaze no ugoki)
The movement of the wind.

Dousa vs. Koudou: Koudou refers to 'behavior' or 'conduct' in a psychological or social sense. It focuses on the intent and the outcome of actions over a period. Dousa is the physical mechanics of a single moment. If someone is acting suspiciously in a store, you'd use koudou (behavior). If their physical hand movements are jittery, you'd use dousa.

Another mistake is overusing dousa suru for people. As mentioned, dousa suru is almost exclusively for machines. For humans, we use ugoku (to move) or dousa o okonau (to perform a movement). Saying 'Watashi wa dousa shimasu' sounds like you are a robot starting your morning routine.

❌ 私は速く動作する (Watashi wa hayaku dousa suru)
✅ 私の動作は速い (Watashi no dousa wa hayai)
My movements are fast.

Finally, be careful with formality. Dousa is a 'kango' (Chinese-origin word), which makes it sound more clinical and formal. In a very casual setting with friends, using dousa to describe a funny dance might sound a bit stiff or jokingly robotic. Stick to ugoki for everyday casual observations.

To truly master 動作, you must see how it sits within a family of related terms. Japanese has many words for 'movement' and 'action', and choosing the right one depends on the context—whether it's human, mechanical, social, or abstract.

動き (Ugoki): The most common and general word. It can be used for people, animals, nature, and even abstract things like 'the movement of the stock market' (shijou no ugoki). Use this when you don't need the technical nuance of dousa.
作動 (Sadou): This word is specifically for machines and mechanisms. While dousa focuses on the 'manner' of operation, sadou focuses on the 'functioning' itself. 'The sensor activated' would be 'Sensa ga sadou shita'. It's more about the mechanism working or turning on.
挙動 (Kyodou): Often used to describe 'behavior', particularly in a suspicious or technical sense. In cybersecurity, 'fushin na kyodou' (suspicious behavior) refers to a program acting strangely. For humans, it often implies something hidden or odd about their movements.

ブレーキが正常に作動した (Bureeki ga seijou ni sadou shita).
The brakes functioned/activated normally.

振る舞い (Furumai): This means 'behavior' or 'conduct' in a social context. It's about how you treat others or carry yourself at a party. It's much more human and social than the clinical dousa.
身のこなし (Mi no konashi): A beautiful, native Japanese expression for 'how one carries oneself' or 'physical carriage'. It's often used to praise someone's grace, like a dancer or a martial artist. It's less technical than dousa and more aesthetic.

Choosing between these words allows you to be precise. If you're writing a bug report, use dousa or kyodou. If you're writing a poem about the wind, use ugoki. If you're complimenting a friend's elegant movements at a wedding, use mi no konashi. Each word paints a different picture of motion.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The character '作' is the same one used in 'sakuhin' (work of art), implying that a 'dousa' is something that is 'constructed' or 'performed' with intent.

Guide de prononciation

UK dɒʊsə

US doʊsə

Japanese is pitch-accented. In 'dousa', the pitch is typically High-Low (Atamadaka pattern: ど＼うさ).

Rime avec

Chousa (調査 - survey) Sousa (操作 - operation) Kousa (交差 - intersection) Housa (補佐 - assistant) Gousa (誤差 - error) Yousa (要塞 - fortress) Tousa (踏査 - exploration) Mousa (盲査 - blind search)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ou' as two separate vowels (do-u). It should be a single long 'o'.
Putting too much stress on the second syllable.
Confusing the 'sa' with 'za'.
Pronouncing it like 'dozer' (English).
Shortening the 'ou' to a short 'o'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Kanji are common but require knowing both 'move' and 'make'.

Écriture 3/5

Writing '動' and '作' from memory takes some practice for beginners.

Expression orale 1/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Écoute 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know it, but can be confused with 'chousa' or 'sousa'.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

動く (ugoku - to move) 作る (tsukuru - to make) 速い (hayai - fast) 遅い (osoi - slow) 機械 (kikai - machine)

Apprends ensuite

操作 (sousa - operation/handling) 作動 (sadou - functioning) 挙動 (kyodou - behavior) 起動 (kidou - startup) 機能 (kinou - function)

Avancé

力学 (rikigaku - mechanics) 運動学 (undougaku - kinematics) 仕様書 (shiyousho - specifications) 脆弱性 (zeijakusei - vulnerability)

Grammaire à connaître

Noun + が + Adjective

動作が速い (Movements are fast).

Noun + を + Verb

動作を確認する (Confirm the operation).

Suru-verb formation (for machines)

正常に動作する (To operate normally).

Compound Nouns

動作環境 (Operation environment).

No-adjective (Noun + no)

一連の動作 (A series of movements).

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Exemples par niveau

彼の動作は速いです。

His movements are fast.

動作 (noun) + は (particle) + 速い (adjective) + です (polite copula).

その動作をまねしてください。

Please imitate that movement.

まねする (to imitate) in its polite request form.

ゆっくり動作します。

It moves slowly.

Adverb + 動作する (to move/operate).

動作がかわいいですね。

The movements are cute, aren't they?

Using 'dousa' to describe the charm of physical actions.

このロボットの動作を見てください。

Please look at this robot's movements.

Possessive 'no' linking robot and dousa.

簡単な動作です。

It is a simple movement.

Adjective 'kantan-na' modifying the noun 'dousa'.

動作を止めます。

Stop the movement.

Object 'dousa' + particle 'o' + verb 'tomemasu'.

次の動作は何ですか？

What is the next movement?

Question asking for the next in a sequence.

パソコンの動作が重いです。

The PC's operation is heavy (slow).

'Omoi' (heavy) is commonly used to mean 'slow' in IT.

スマホが正常に動作しません。

The smartphone is not operating normally.

Negative form of 'dousa suru'.

動作確認をしましたか？

Did you do an operation check?

Compound noun 'dousa-kakunin' (operation check).

このアプリは動作が安定しています。

This app's operation is stable.

Describing the quality of software execution.

機械が動作し始めました。

The machine started to operate.

Verb stem + hajimeru (to start doing).

動作が不自然です。

The movement is unnatural.

'Fujizen' (unnatural) used to critique form.

ボタンを押すと動作します。

It operates when you press the button.

Conditional 'to' indicating cause and effect.

動作が止まってしまいました。

The operation has stopped (unfortunately).

'~te shimau' indicates an unintended or regrettable action.

一連の動作をスムーズに行う。

Perform a series of movements smoothly.

'Ichiren no' (a series of) is a common collocation.

最新のOSでの動作を保証します。

We guarantee operation on the latest OS.

Formal guarantee of functionality.

動作環境を確認してください。

Please check the operating environment (system requirements).

'Dousa kankyou' is a technical term for specs.

無駄な動作を省くことで効率が上がる。

Efficiency increases by cutting out wasted movements.

'Muda na dousa' (wasted movement).

センサーが動作して電気がついた。

The sensor operated and the light came on.

Describing an automated response.

彼は動作が一つ一つ丁寧だ。

Every single one of his movements is polite/careful.

'Hitotsu hitotsu' emphasizes each individual action.

電池が切れると動作が止まる。

When the battery dies, the operation stops.

Simple cause and effect in a mechanical context.

動作の仕組みを説明します。

I will explain the mechanism of operation.

'Shikumi' refers to the inner workings.

不審な動作が見られたため、調査を開始した。

Since suspicious behavior/operation was seen, an investigation was started.

'Fushin na dousa' can refer to a person or a computer virus.

このプログラムの動作原理を理解するのは難しい。

It is difficult to understand the principle of operation of this program.

'Dousa genri' is a technical term for how something works.

スポーツ科学において動作分析は不可欠だ。

Motion analysis is indispensable in sports science.

'Dousa bunseki' refers to scientific analysis of movement.

機械の動作不良により出荷が遅れている。

Shipping is delayed due to a mechanical malfunction.

'Dousa furyou' is the standard term for a malfunction.

指先の細かい動作が要求される作業だ。

It is a task that requires fine movements of the fingertips.

'Koma-kai dousa' (fine/detailed movements).

バックグラウンドで動作しているアプリを終了する。

Close the apps running in the background.

'Bakku-guraundo de dousa suru' (running in the background).

一瞬の動作が生死を分けることもある。

A single moment's movement can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

Dramatic use of 'dousa' in a high-stakes context.

ロボットに人間らしい動作を教え込む。

Teach the robot human-like movements.

'Oshie-komu' implies thorough teaching/programming.

意図しない動作を防ぐためのセーフガードを設ける。

Install safeguards to prevent unintended operations.

'Ito shinai dousa' (unintended behavior/operation).

茶道における動作は、精神の安定を反映している。

The movements in tea ceremony reflect mental stability.

Connecting physical action to internal states.

この回路は極低温下でも安定して動作する。

This circuit operates stably even under cryogenic temperatures.

Highly technical condition-based operation.

反射的な動作を抑制し、冷静な判断を下す。

Suppress reflexive actions and make a calm judgment.

'Hansha-teki na dousa' (reflexive movement).

ユーザーの動作ログを分析してUIを改善する。

Analyze user action logs to improve the UI.

'Dousa rogu' (operation/action log).

熟練者の動作は、無駄が削ぎ落とされている。

The movements of an expert have all waste stripped away.

'Sogi-otosu' (to strip away/refine).

法の動作を規定する条文を解釈する。

Interpret the clauses that prescribe the operation of the law.

Metaphorical use of 'dousa' for abstract systems.

神経伝達物質が筋肉の動作を制御している。

Neurotransmitters control the operation of muscles.

Scientific/Biological context.

その優雅な動作の裏には、血の滲むような努力が隠されている。

Behind those graceful movements lies effort that would make one bleed.

Literary contrast between beauty and struggle.

システムの動作仕様書を精査し、脆弱性を特定する。

Scrutinize the system's operational specifications and identify vulnerabilities.

'Dousa shiyousho' (operational specifications).

能の動作一つ一つが、宇宙の運行を象徴しているという説がある。

There is a theory that every movement in Noh drama symbolizes the movement of the universe.

Highly abstract and philosophical context.

自律型AIが予測不可能な動作を見せ始めた。

The autonomous AI has begun to show unpredictable behavior/operations.

'Yosoku fukanou' (unpredictable).

身体的動作と認知的プロセスの相関関係を研究する。

Study the correlation between physical movements and cognitive processes.

Academic research terminology.

彼の慇懃な動作には、どこか冷淡な響きがあった。

There was a somewhat cold resonance in his polite movements.

Nuanced character description using 'dousa'.

経済システムの動学的動作をモデル化する。

Model the dynamic operation of the economic system.

Specialized economic modeling context.

微細な動作の差異が、製品の品質を決定づける。

Minute differences in movement/operation determine the quality of the product.

'Kettei-dukeru' (to determine/decide).

Synonymes

動き振る舞い行動仕草挙動

Antonymes

静止停止

Collocations courantes

動作が重い

動作を確認する

機敏な動作

動作が不安定

一連の動作

正常に動作する

動作が鈍い

動作を保証する

不審な動作

動作環境

Phrases Courantes

動作確認

— An operation check. Ensuring something works before use.

まずは動作確認を行ってください。

動作不良

— Malfunction or failure to operate. Used for defective products.

動作不良のため返品する。

動作原理

— Principle of operation. How a mechanism works theoretically.

エンジンの動作原理を学ぶ。

動作仕様

— Operating specifications. The technical details of how it should work.

動作仕様書を作成する。

動作音

— Operating noise. The sound a machine makes while running.

冷蔵庫の動作音がうるさい。

動作範囲

— Operating range or range of motion. Used in robotics or physical therapy.

関節の動作範囲を広げる。

動作解析

— Motion analysis. Studying movements scientifically.

プロ選手の動作解析を行う。

動作設定

— Operation settings. Configuring how something functions.

アプリの動作設定を変更する。

連続動作

— Continuous operation. Running without stopping.

24時間の連続動作が可能だ。

動作モード

— Operation mode. Different states of functioning (e.g., eco mode).

省エネ動作モードに切り替える。

Souvent confondu avec

動作 vs 行動 (koudou)

Koudou is 'behavior' or 'conduct' (intentional). Dousa is 'movement' (mechanical/physical).

動作 vs 作動 (sadou)

Sadou is specifically the 'activation' or 'functioning' of a machine's parts.

動作 vs 挙動 (kyodou)

Kyodou often implies suspicious behavior or specific software behavior patterns.

Expressions idiomatiques

"動作を共にする"

— To act together or move in unison. Often used for groups or couples.

彼らと動作を共にする機会が増えた。

Formal

"動作に無駄がない"

— To have no wasted movement. Describing high efficiency or skill.

彼の料理は動作に無駄がない。

Complimentary

"動作が板につく"

— For a movement/action to become natural or well-practiced. Like an actor fitting a role.

彼の着物姿の動作が板についてきた。

Neutral

"動作を殺す"

— To suppress or silence one's movements. Used in stealth contexts.

足音を忍ばせ、動作を殺して近づく。

Literary

"動作に品がある"

— To have elegance or class in one's movements.

彼女は立ち居振る舞い、動作に品がある。

Formal

"動作がぎこちない"

— To have awkward or stiff movements. Like someone nervous or unskilled.

初めてのデートで動作がぎこちない。

Informal

"動作にキレがある"

— To have sharp, crisp movements. Common in sports or dance.

彼のダンスは動作にキレがある。

Informal/Slangy

"動作を盗む"

— To 'steal' a movement, meaning to learn by watching an expert closely.

師匠の動作を盗んで覚える。

Traditional Arts

"動作を合わせる"

— To synchronize movements with others.

チーム全員で動作を合わせる。

Neutral

"動作が一つ一つ絵になる"

— Every movement is picture-perfect. Used for very beautiful or cinematic people.

その女優は動作が一つ一つ絵になる。

Complimentary

Facile à confondre

動作 vs 動き (ugoki)

Both mean movement.

Ugoki is general and casual. Dousa is formal and focuses on mechanics or purposeful action.

風の動き (Wind movement) vs. 彼の動作 (His physical form/movement).

動作 vs 作動 (sadou)

Both are used for machines.

Sadou is 'it works/functions'. Dousa is 'how it works/moves'.

センサーが作動する (Sensor activates) vs. アプリが動作する (App runs).

動作 vs 挙動 (kyodou)

Both describe behavior/movement.

Kyodou has a nuance of 'manner' or 'predictability', often used for suspicious people or malware.

不審な挙動 (Suspicious behavior) vs. 機敏な動作 (Agile movement).

動作 vs 活動 (katsudou)

Both end in 'dou' and relate to doing things.

Katsudou is 'activity' or 'being active' (e.g., club activities, volcanic activity).

ボランティア活動 (Volunteer activity) vs. 動作の確認 (Checking operation).

動作 vs 操作 (sousa)

Both relate to machines.

Sousa is what the *user* does (operating the machine). Dousa is what the *machine* does (functioning).

リモコンを操作する (Operate the remote) vs. テレビが動作する (TV functions).

Structures de phrases

[Person] の動作は [Adjective] です。

彼の動作は速いです。

[Device] が動作しません。

カメラが動作しません。

[Device] が正常に動作することを確認する。

時計が正常に動作することを確認する。

[Noun] の動作原理を説明する。

エンジンの動作原理を説明する。

[Abstract] の動作を規定する。

システムの動作を規定する。

[Literary Context] 動作の裏に [Emotion] がある。

優雅な動作の裏に怒りがある。

[Adverb] に動作する。

スムーズに動作する。

動作が [Omoi/Osoi]。

スマホの動作が重い。

Famille de mots

Noms

動作主 (dousashu - agent/performer of an action)

動作性 (dousasei - operational/motor nature)

動作者 (dousasha - person moving)

Verbes

動作する (dousa suru - to operate/function)

Adjectifs

動作的な (dousateki na - operational/movement-related)

Apparenté

自動 (jidou - automatic)

手動 (shudou - manual)

起動 (kidou - startup)

変動 (hendou - fluctuation)

躍動 (yakudou - lively motion)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in technical, sports, and professional contexts. Medium in daily casual talk.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'dousa' for the wind or clouds. → Use 'ugoki'.
'Dousa' implies a purposeful agent or a machine. Natural elements don't have 'dousa'.
Saying 'Watashi wa dousa shimasu' to mean 'I am moving'. → Say 'Watashi wa ugoite imasu' or 'Watashi no dousa wa...'
'Dousa suru' sounds like you are a machine functioning.
Confusing 'dousa' with 'koudou' when talking about a person's life choices. → Use 'koudou'.
'Dousa' is physical mechanics; 'koudou' is social/behavioral action.
Writing 'dousa' with the wrong kanji (e.g., 同作). → 動作
Ensure the first kanji is 'move' (動).
Using 'dousa' to mean 'working at a job'. → Use 'hataraku' or 'shigoto'.
'Dousa' is about the movement/operation, not the employment.

Astuces

Tech Tip

If your app crashes, you can say 'Dousa ga teishi shimashita' (Operation has stopped).

Elegance

In traditional arts, 'dousa' is often described as 'utsukushii' (beautiful) or 'shizuka' (quiet).

Noun vs Verb

Remember: Machines 'dousa suru'. Humans 'have' a 'dousa' (dousa ga aru/hayai).

Precision

Use 'dousa' when you want to focus on the 'how' of an action.

Manners

Describing someone's 'dousa' as 'teinei' (polite/careful) is a high compliment.

Bug Reporting

When reporting a bug, use 'fushin na dousa' (suspicious/strange operation).

Athletics

Coaches use 'dousa bunseki' (motion analysis) to improve performance.

Second-hand

Look for 'dousa kanryou' or 'dousa kakunin-zumi' labels on used electronics.

Rehabilitation

In a hospital, doctors talk about 'nichijou dousa' (activities of daily living).

Easy Memory

Dousa = **Do**ing **S**omething **A**nalytically.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a **DO**-er **SA**-ying 'Look at my move!' **DO**+**SA** = Movement.

Association visuelle

Imagine a robot doing a **DO**-re-mi dance. Each step is a **DO-SA**.

Word Web

Robot Sports Computer Agile Lag Function Mechanism Gesture

Défi

Try to describe three things your phone is doing right now using 'dousa'. Then, describe how your cat or dog moves using the same word.

Origine du mot

The word is a 'kango' (Chinese-origin word). It combines '動' (dō), meaning to move or motion, and '作' (sa), meaning to make, work, or act.

Sens originel : Originally referred to the act of moving the body or performing a task.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but using 'dousa' for natural disasters (like an earthquake) sounds odd because it implies a machine-like purpose.

English speakers often just say 'movement' or 'working', but Japanese speakers use 'dousa' to sound more professional or technical.

Dousa-hou (A Japanese psychological rehabilitation method focused on movement). The 'Dousa' of mecha in anime like Evangelion or Gundam. Traditional 'Mai' (dance) dousa in Noh theater.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Tech Support

動作が不安定です (Operation is unstable)
再起動しても動作しません (It doesn't work even after restarting)
動作環境を確認してください (Check the system requirements)
正常に動作しました (It operated normally)

Sports Coaching

動作をスローで見る (Watch the movement in slow motion)
無駄な動作が多い (There are many wasted movements)
動作を改善しましょう (Let's improve the form/movement)
機敏な動作を心がける (Keep agile movements in mind)

Retail (Electronics)

動作確認済み (Operation confirmed/Tested)
動作保証はありません (No operation guarantee)
スムーズな動作が特徴です (Smooth operation is a feature)
動作音は静かです (The operating noise is quiet)

Traditional Arts

動作の美しさ (Beauty of movement)
一連の動作を覚える (Memorize a series of movements)
動作を合わせる (Synchronize movements)
静かな動作 (Quiet/Calm movement)

Medical/Rehab

動作時の痛み (Pain during movement)
日常動作 (Daily activities/movements)
動作範囲のチェック (Checking range of motion)
歩行動作の訓練 (Walking movement training)

Amorces de conversation

"最近、スマホの動作が重くないですか？ (Hasn't your smartphone been running slowly lately?)"

"このロボット、どんな動作ができるんですか？ (What kind of movements can this robot do?)"

"スポーツをするとき、動作のフォームを気にしますか？ (When you play sports, do you care about your form/movements?)"

"伝統的なダンスの動作って、すごく難しいですよね。 (The movements in traditional dance are really difficult, aren't they?)"

"新しいアプリの動作はどうですか？スムーズですか？ (How is the new app's operation? Is it smooth?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、自分の動作で「無駄だな」と思ったことはありますか？ (Was there anything in your movements today that you thought was 'wasted'?)

使っているパソコンやスマホの動作について、詳しく書いてみましょう。 (Write in detail about the operation of the PC or smartphone you are using.)

あなたが美しいと思う「動作」は何ですか？ (What is a 'movement' that you find beautiful?)

新しいスポーツや趣味を始めたとき、最初に行った動作は何でしたか？ (When you started a new sport or hobby, what was the first movement you performed?)

「動作が遅い」と感じたとき、あなたはどう対処しますか？ (How do you handle it when you feel 'operation/movement is slow'?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds scientific or analytical. If you say 'Neko no dousa', you are likely analyzing how the cat jumps or moves its limbs rather than just saying it's cute. For casual talk, use 'ugoki'.

In IT, 'omoi' (heavy) specifically implies that the system is lagging or struggling with resources. 'Osoi' (slow) is a more general term. 'Omoi' is very common among Japanese tech users.

Yes, as 'dousa suru', but primarily for machines and software. For humans, it's better to use 'dousa o okonau' (perform a movement) or just the noun 'dousa ga...'

Shigusa refers to small, personal gestures or habits (like tucking hair behind an ear). Dousa refers to larger, more structured physical movements or machine operations.

The most common term is 'dousa furyou' (動作不良). You can also use 'koshou' (故障) for a total breakdown.

Absolutely. It's used to describe the specific techniques and movements (kata) that students must master. It implies precision.

It means 'operation check'. You do this after fixing something or when buying a used item to make sure it actually works.

No. Wind is a natural phenomenon and doesn't have 'dousa'. Use 'ugoki' or 'nagare' (flow).

It means 'System Requirements'. It lists the hardware and OS you need for the game to run (operate).

'Nibui' means dull or blunt. When applied to 'dousa', it means someone's movements or a machine's reactions are slow and un-sharp.

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