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運転します

A2 verb #2,000 가장 일반적인 14분 분량

運転します

unten shimasu 상위 2,000

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into the Japanese language. The concept of driving is introduced as a basic daily activity. At this stage, the focus is on simple, declarative sentences. Learners are taught the vocabulary word '運転します' (unten shimasu) as a set phrase meaning 'to drive'. They learn to associate it with the noun '車' (kuruma - car) and the object particle 'を' (wo). The primary goal is to be able to state whether one drives or not. For example, a learner might say '私は車を運転します' (I drive a car) or '私は運転しません' (I do not drive). They also learn to ask simple questions like '運転しますか？' (Do you drive?). At this level, grammatical complexity is kept to a minimum. The distinction between '運転します' (driving) and '乗ります' (riding) is introduced early on to prevent common beginner mistakes. Vocabulary is limited to very common vehicles like cars and buses. The cultural context of driving in Japan, such as driving on the left side of the road, might be briefly mentioned as an interesting cultural note, but the linguistic focus remains strictly on basic sentence construction and vocabulary memorization. The word is treated as a single, indivisible unit of meaning, and learners are encouraged to practice it through repetition and simple role-play exercises, such as describing their daily routine or asking classmates about their transportation habits.

Moving into the A2 level, the usage of '運転します' becomes much more practical and integrated into daily routines. Learners at this stage are expected to handle a wider variety of contexts and construct more complex sentences. They begin to use the te-form of the verb, '運転して' (unten shite), to connect actions. For instance, they can say '車を運転して、スーパーに行きます' (I drive a car and go to the supermarket). This allows them to describe sequences of events in their daily lives. Furthermore, they learn to express ability using the potential form, '運転できます' (unten dekimasu - can drive). This is a crucial communicative function, enabling them to answer questions about their skills, such as '車の運転ができますか？' (Can you drive a car?). They also start using adverbs to describe how they drive, incorporating words like '安全に' (safely) or '速く' (fast). The vocabulary surrounding driving expands to include terms like '運転免許' (driver's license) and '道' (road). Learners practice describing their commute, discussing travel plans with friends, and understanding basic instructions related to driving. The focus shifts from mere memorization to practical application, allowing learners to use '運転します' as a functional tool for navigating everyday conversations about transportation and personal mobility in a Japanese-speaking environment.

At the B1 level, learners are expected to handle a wider variety of contexts and express more nuanced thoughts. Driving is no longer just a simple action; it becomes a topic of discussion involving reasons, conditions, and opinions. Learners use '運転します' in conjunction with grammar points like '〜ので' (because) or '〜たら' (if/when). For example, they might say 'お酒を飲んだので、運転しません' (Because I drank alcohol, I will not drive) or '雨が降ったら、運転に気をつけてください' (If it rains, please be careful driving). They can discuss the pros and cons of driving versus using public transportation, expressing their preferences and justifying their choices. The vocabulary expands significantly to include terms related to traffic rules, road conditions, and car maintenance. They might discuss '渋滞' (traffic jams), '高速道路' (highways), or '交通事故' (traffic accidents). At this stage, learners can also understand and relay information from news reports or announcements regarding traffic. They can participate in conversations about road trips, sharing experiences and giving advice to others. The ability to use '運転します' in continuous forms (運転しています) to describe ongoing actions or habits becomes second nature. Overall, B1 learners use the word flexibly to narrate experiences, explain situations, and engage in meaningful dialogues about transportation.

Reaching the B2 level signifies a strong intermediate grasp of Japanese. Here, '運転します' is used in more complex discussions, often touching upon societal issues, technology, and abstract concepts. Learners can comfortably read and discuss articles about '自動運転' (autonomous driving) technology, debating its safety, ethical implications, and future impact on society. They can express detailed opinions on traffic laws, urban planning, and environmental concerns related to driving, such as carbon emissions and the shift towards electric vehicles. The grammar used in conjunction with '運転します' becomes highly sophisticated, incorporating passive voices, causative forms, and complex conditional clauses. For example, they might say '彼に運転させるべきではない' (We shouldn't make him drive) or '自動運転技術が普及すれば、交通事故は減少するだろう' (If autonomous driving technology becomes widespread, traffic accidents will likely decrease). They can understand nuanced instructions and warnings, such as those found in car manuals or official traffic safety guidelines. Furthermore, they can use idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary related to driving. In professional contexts, B2 learners can discuss logistics, transportation strategies, and job requirements involving driving with a high degree of accuracy and fluency. The word '運転' is no longer just a verb for moving a car; it is a gateway to discussing broader technological and societal trends.

The C1 level demands an advanced, nuanced understanding of Japanese. Discussions involving '運転します' will often revolve around highly specialized, academic, or professional topics. Learners at this level can comprehend and produce complex texts regarding automotive engineering, traffic psychology, and legal frameworks surrounding transportation. They can analyze the socio-economic impacts of driving habits and transportation infrastructure. When using '運転します', they employ a wide range of vocabulary and precise grammatical structures to convey subtle distinctions in meaning. They might discuss the psychological state of a driver, using terms like '居眠り運転' (falling asleep at the wheel) or '煽り運転' (tailgating/road rage), and analyze the legal consequences of such actions in depth. They can participate in formal debates or presentations on the future of mobility, articulating complex arguments with fluency and spontaneity. The ability to understand implicit meanings, cultural references, and humor related to driving is also expected. In written Japanese, they can draft formal reports, essays, or policy proposals related to traffic safety or transportation logistics. At this stage, '運転します' is integrated seamlessly into a vast and sophisticated linguistic repertoire, allowing the learner to communicate on par with educated native speakers on almost any topic related to driving and transportation.

At the C2 level, mastery of the language is expected. The verb '運転します' is utilized in highly technical, legal, and academic contexts with absolute precision and native-like fluency. Learners can effortlessly navigate complex legal documents, such as the Road Traffic Act (道路交通法), understanding the exact legal definitions and implications of terms related to '運転'. They can engage in high-level academic discourse on topics like the ethics of AI in autonomous vehicles, urban mobility paradigms, or the historical evolution of transportation systems in Japan. Their vocabulary is exhaustive, encompassing obscure terminology, historical terms, and cutting-edge jargon. They can appreciate and utilize literary or poetic references to driving and journeys. In spoken Japanese, they can modulate their register perfectly, shifting from casual banter about a road trip to a formal, high-stakes negotiation regarding a logistics contract without hesitation. They can detect and employ irony, sarcasm, and subtle cultural nuances in conversations about driving. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, the learner's use of '運転します' is indistinguishable from that of a highly articulate native speaker, demonstrating a profound understanding not only of the word itself but of the entire cultural, legal, and technological ecosystem that surrounds the concept of driving in Japan.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

運転します 30초 만에

Means 'to drive' or 'to operate' a vehicle.
Used primarily for cars, buses, and trains.
Group 3 verb: 運転 (noun) + します (to do).
Use the particle を (wo) for the vehicle being driven.

The Japanese verb '運転します' (unten shimasu) is a fundamental vocabulary word that translates to 'to drive' or 'to operate' a vehicle or machine. Understanding this word is crucial for learners at the CEFR A2 level, as it frequently appears in daily conversations, transportation contexts, and everyday life in Japan. To fully grasp the depth of '運転します', we must first break down its kanji components. The word is composed of two kanji: '運' (un) and '転' (ten). The first kanji, '運', carries the meanings of 'to carry', 'to transport', 'luck', or 'destiny'. In the context of driving, it relates to the transportation of people or goods from one location to another. The second kanji, '転', means 'to revolve', 'to turn', or 'to roll'. When combined, these two characters beautifully encapsulate the physical act of driving: turning the steering wheel and rolling the wheels to transport oneself or others. This is a Group 3 verb in Japanese, meaning it is formed by taking the noun '運転' (unten, meaning driving or operation) and adding the irregular verb 'します' (shimasu, meaning to do). Therefore, literally translated, it means 'to do driving'.

Kanji Breakdown: 運: Means to carry or transport. It is the same kanji used in words like 運動 (undou - exercise) and 運命 (unmei - destiny).

私は毎日車を運転します。

Beyond just cars, this verb is used for a variety of vehicles. You can use it for buses (バスを運転します), trains (電車を運転します), and even heavy machinery. However, it is important to note that it is generally not used for riding bicycles or motorcycles, nor is it used for flying planes or steering ships, which have their own specific verbs.

Kanji Breakdown: 転: Means to roll or turn. Found in words like 自転車 (jitensha - bicycle) and 転ぶ (korobu - to fall down).

父はバスを運転します。

The conjugation of this verb follows the standard rules for Group 3 (irregular) verbs. The dictionary form is 運転する (unten suru). The negative form is 運転しません (unten shimasen). The past tense is 運転しました (unten shimashita). The te-form is 運転して (unten shite). Mastering these conjugations is essential for expressing different states of driving, such as 'I am driving' (運転しています) or 'Please drive safely' (安全に運転してください).

Verb Group: Group 3 (Irregular). It combines a noun with the verb 'suru' (to do).

兄はトラックを運転します。

In Japanese society, driving is a heavily regulated and respected activity. Obtaining a driver's license (運転免許 - unten menkyo) is a significant milestone. Therefore, the word '運転します' carries a sense of responsibility. When someone says they are driving, it implies they are in control of a potentially dangerous machine and must adhere to strict traffic laws.

彼女は上手に運転します。

Furthermore, the concept of '運転' extends into the realm of professional driving. A driver by profession is called a 運転手 (untenshu). This term is used for taxi drivers, bus drivers, and chauffeurs. The suffix '手' (shu/te) means 'hand' or 'person who does', highlighting the human element in operating the vehicle.

週末にドライブのために運転します。

In conclusion, '運転します' is much more than just a translation of 'to drive'. It is a multifaceted word that encompasses the physical act of moving a vehicle, the mechanical operation of transport systems, and the societal responsibilities associated with being behind the wheel in Japan. By understanding its kanji roots, its grammatical behavior as a Group 3 verb, and its cultural context, learners can use this word with confidence and precision in a wide variety of situations.

Using '運転します' correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Japanese sentence structure, particularly the use of particles. The most common particle associated with this verb is 'を' (wo), which marks the direct object of the action. When you want to specify what vehicle is being driven, you place the vehicle noun before the particle 'を', followed by '運転します'. For example, '車を運転します' (kuruma wo unten shimasu) means 'I drive a car'. This structure is the backbone of most sentences involving this verb.

Particle を (wo): Used to indicate the direct object being driven. Example: 車を (car + wo).

私は新しい車を運転します。

Another important particle is 'で' (de), which indicates the means or instrument of an action, or the location where the action takes place. If you want to say 'I go to work by driving', you might say '車を運転して会社に行きます' (kuruma wo unten shite kaisha ni ikimasu), using the te-form to connect the actions. If you want to specify where you are driving, you use 'で' for the location, such as '高速道路で運転します' (kousokudouro de unten shimasu - I drive on the highway).

Particle で (de): Used to indicate the location of the driving action. Example: 道で (on the road + de).

山道を慎重に運転します。

You can also modify the verb with adverbs to describe how the driving is done. For instance, '安全に運転します' (anzen ni unten shimasu) means 'to drive safely', and '速く運転します' (hayaku unten shimasu) means 'to drive fast'. These modifiers are placed before the verb to add detail and nuance to your sentences.

Adverbial Modification: Use adverbs like 安全に (safely) or 気をつけて (carefully) before the verb to describe the manner of driving.

雨の日は気をつけて運転します。

When talking about the ability to drive, you can use the potential form of the verb. Since it's a Group 3 verb, the potential form is '運転できます' (unten dekimasu - can drive). This is extremely common when asking someone if they have a license or the skill to drive: '車の運転ができますか？' (kuruma no unten ga dekimasu ka? - Can you drive a car?). Notice that when using the noun form '運転' with 'できます', the particle changes from 'を' to 'が'.

私はマニュアル車を運転します。

It is also useful to know how to express the continuous state of driving. If you are currently behind the wheel, you use the te-form plus 'います' (imasu): '今、運転しています' (ima, unten shite imasu - I am driving right now). This is a crucial phrase to use if someone calls you on the phone while you are driving, as it is illegal and dangerous to use a mobile phone while driving in Japan. You would say '今運転していますから、後で電話します' (I am driving now, so I will call you later).

夜はあまり運転しません。

In summary, mastering the use of '運転します' involves understanding its pairing with the object particle 'を', the location particle 'で', adverbial modifiers for safety and speed, the potential form for ability, and the continuous form for ongoing actions. By practicing these various structures, learners can effectively communicate a wide range of scenarios related to driving and transportation in Japanese.

The verb '運転します' is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, media, and professional environments. You will hear it constantly in conversations about commuting, travel plans, and daily errands. In a country with a highly developed public transportation system, the choice to drive is often a specific topic of discussion. For instance, when planning a weekend getaway, friends might ask, '誰が運転しますか？' (Dare ga unten shimasu ka? - Who will drive?). This highlights the practical, everyday usage of the word among peers and family members.

Daily Commute: Often heard when discussing how one gets to work or school. '車で通勤するために運転します' (I drive to commute by car).

交代で運転します。

You will also frequently encounter this word in news broadcasts and traffic reports. Japanese news programs dedicate significant time to traffic safety, reporting on accidents, road conditions, and new traffic regulations. In these contexts, you might hear phrases like '安全運転を心がけてください' (Anzen unten wo kokogakete kudasai - Please keep safe driving in mind) or reports stating 'トラックを運転していた男性が...' (The man who was driving the truck...). The word is central to any discourse regarding road safety and legal compliance.

News and Media: Common in traffic updates and accident reports on television and radio.

雪の日は運転しません。

In the workplace, especially in logistics, delivery, or transportation sectors, '運転します' is a core vocabulary item. Job descriptions for delivery drivers, taxi operators, and bus drivers will prominently feature this word. During job interviews for these positions, candidates are often asked about their driving experience: 'どのくらい運転していますか？' (Dono kurai unten shite imasu ka? - How long have you been driving?). It is a professional skill that is highly valued and strictly regulated.

Professional Context: Used in job titles and descriptions, such as 運転手 (driver) or 運転代行 (designated driving service).

仕事でフォークリフトを運転します。

Furthermore, the word appears in the context of technological advancements, specifically regarding autonomous vehicles. The phrase '自動運転' (jidou unten - autonomous driving) is increasingly common in articles about the future of transportation, automotive technology, and smart cities. Discussions about when cars will be able to '自動で運転します' (drive automatically) are prevalent in modern Japanese tech journalism.

長距離を運転します。

Finally, you will hear it in instructional settings, such as driving schools (自動車教習所 - jidousha kyoushuujo). Instructors use the word constantly to give directions and correct mistakes. They might say, 'もっとゆっくり運転してください' (Motto yukkuri unten shite kudasai - Please drive more slowly). Whether in casual chats, formal news, professional environments, or educational settings, '運転します' is an unavoidable and essential part of the Japanese linguistic landscape.

レンタカーを運転します。

When learning the verb '運転します', students often encounter a few common pitfalls that can lead to unnatural or incorrect Japanese. The most frequent mistake involves confusing '運転します' (to drive) with '乗ります' (norimasu - to ride). While in English we might say 'I ride in a car' or 'I drive a car' depending on who is at the wheel, Japanese makes a strict distinction. If you are the one controlling the steering wheel, you use '運転します'. If you are a passenger, you must use '乗ります'. Saying 'バスを運転します' means you are the bus driver, whereas 'バスに乗ります' means you are taking the bus as a passenger.

Mistake: Confusing Driver and Passenger: Do not use 運転します if you are just sitting in the car. Use 乗ります (norimasu) instead.

友達の車を運転します。

Another major area of confusion is particle usage. Learners often incorrectly use the particle 'に' (ni) instead of 'を' (wo) to mark the vehicle being driven. They might say '車に運転します', which is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is always '車を運転します'. The particle 'に' is used for the destination (e.g., 東京に運転します - I drive to Tokyo) or with the verb '乗ります' (e.g., 車に乗ります - I get into/ride the car). Mixing up these particles changes the meaning entirely or renders the sentence nonsensical.

Mistake: Wrong Particle: Using に instead of を. Remember: Object + を + 運転します.

毎日一時間運転します。

A third common mistake is applying '運転します' to the wrong types of vehicles. As mentioned earlier, this verb is reserved for vehicles with wheels that you steer, like cars, buses, and trains. It is incorrect to use '運転します' for bicycles (自転車 - jitensha) or motorcycles (バイク - baiku). For these two-wheeled vehicles, you must use '乗ります' (norimasu - to ride) or 'こぎます' (kogimasu - to pedal, for bicycles). Similarly, for airplanes, the verb is '操縦します' (soujuu shimasu - to pilot), and for boats, it is '操縦します' or '運転します' depending on the size, but '操縦' is more accurate for piloting.

Mistake: Wrong Vehicle Type: Using 運転します for bicycles or airplanes. Use 乗ります for bikes and 操縦します for planes.

疲れている時は運転しません。

Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the noun form '運転' versus the verb form '運転します'. When saying 'Driving is fun', you cannot say '運転しますは楽しいです'. You must use the noun form: '運転は楽しいです' (Unten wa tanoshii desu) or nominalize the verb: '運転するのは楽しいです' (Unten suru no wa tanoshii desu). Failing to nominalize the verb before a topic marker is a classic beginner error.

初めて高速道路を運転します。

Lastly, pronunciation can sometimes be an issue. The word is 'unten', not 'unden' or 'onten'. The double 'n' sound (ん) must be pronounced clearly, and the pitch accent typically starts low on 'u', rises on 'n', and stays flat or drops slightly on 'ten'. Mispronouncing the pitch accent might not cause a complete breakdown in communication, but it will sound unnatural to native speakers. By paying attention to these common mistakes—distinguishing from 'riding', using the correct particles, applying it to the right vehicles, understanding nominalization, and practicing pronunciation—learners can significantly improve their accuracy.

安全第一で運転します。

In Japanese, there are several words related to moving, operating, and traveling that learners might confuse with '運転します'. Understanding the nuances between these similar words is key to achieving fluency and precision in your vocabulary. The most closely related word, which we have already touched upon, is '乗ります' (norimasu). While '運転します' means to actively control and drive a vehicle, '乗ります' means to ride in or on a vehicle as a passenger. You can '乗ります' a train, a bus, a car, a bicycle, or a horse. It simply implies getting on board and being transported.

乗ります (norimasu): To ride or board. Used when you are a passenger, not the operator.

父の代わりに運転します。

Another similar word is '操縦します' (soujuu shimasu). This verb translates to 'to pilot', 'to steer', or 'to operate'. It is used for complex machines that require specialized skills to navigate in three dimensions or across water. Therefore, you use '操縦します' for airplanes (飛行機 - hikouki), helicopters (ヘリコプター - herikoputaa), and ships (船 - fune). While a car is '運転', a plane is '操縦'. Using '運転' for an airplane sounds very unnatural, akin to saying you are 'driving an airplane' in English, though 'piloting' or 'flying' is much more accurate.

操縦します (soujuu shimasu): To pilot or operate. Used for aircraft and watercraft.

外国で車を運転します。

We also have the word '動かします' (ugokashimasu), which means 'to move' something. This is a very broad verb. You can '動かします' a chair, a table, or a car. If a car is broken down and you are physically pushing it, you are '動かしている' (moving it), not '運転している' (driving it). '運転' implies starting the engine and using the vehicle's internal mechanisms to travel, whereas '動かす' simply means changing its physical location by any means.

動かします (ugokashimasu): To move (an object). A broader term that doesn't imply operating a machine's controls.

免許を取ってから運転します。

Another related concept is 'ドライブします' (doraibu shimasu). This is a loanword from English ('drive'). However, its usage in Japanese is narrower than '運転します'. 'ドライブします' specifically means 'to go for a drive for pleasure'. If you are driving to the supermarket to buy groceries, you use '運転します'. If you are driving along the coast on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy the scenery, you are doing a 'ドライブ'. It implies a leisure activity rather than just the mechanical act of operating a vehicle.

ハイブリッド車を運転します。

Lastly, there is '操作します' (sousa shimasu), which means 'to operate' or 'to manipulate'. This is used for operating machinery, computers, smartphones, or remote controls. While '運転' can sometimes be used for large machinery (like a train or a power plant), '操作' is the more general term for operating devices with buttons, levers, or touchscreens. You '操作' a smartphone, but you '運転' a car. By distinguishing between these similar words—乗る, 操縦する, 動かす, ドライブする, and 操作する—you can express yourself much more accurately in Japanese.

毎日安全に運転します。

How Formal Is It?

격식체

난이도

알아야 할 문법

수준별 예문

私は車を運転します。

I drive a car.

Subject + は + Object + を + Verb (ます form).

父はバスを運転します。

My father drives a bus.

Using a different subject (父) and object (バス).

毎日運転します。

I drive every day.

Adverb of frequency (毎日) placed before the verb.

私は運転しません。

I do not drive.

Negative form of the verb (しません).

車を運転しますか？

Do you drive a car?

Question particle (か) added to the end of the sentence.

はい、運転します。

Yes, I drive.

Answering a yes/no question.

いいえ、運転しません。

No, I don't drive.

Negative response to a yes/no question.

母も運転します。

My mother also drives.

Using the inclusive particle も (also/too).

週末に車を運転して、海に行きます。

I will drive a car to the beach on the weekend.

Using the te-form (運転して) to connect sequential actions.

私は車の運転ができます。

I can drive a car.

Potential form expressed with Noun + が + できます.

安全に運転してください。

Please drive safely.

Adverb (安全に) modifying the verb in the request form (てください).

今、運転しています。

I am driving right now.

Present continuous tense using te-form + います.

日本で運転したことがありますか？

Have you ever driven in Japan?

Expressing experience using past tense (した) + ことがあります.

雨の日は運転したくないです。

I don't want to drive on rainy days.

Expressing desire using the negative tai-form (したくないです).

兄はトラックを運転するのが上手です。

My older brother is good at driving trucks.

Nominalizing the verb with の to describe a skill (のが上手です).

疲れたから、運転を代わってください。

I'm tired, so please take over driving.

Using から to express a reason before making a request.

お酒を飲んだら、絶対に運転してはいけません。

If you drink alcohol, you must absolutely not drive.

Conditional たら combined with strong prohibition してはいけません.

渋滞しているので、運転するのが疲れます。

Because there is a traffic jam, driving is tiring.

Using ので for reason and nominalizing the verb as the subject of an emotion.

新しい車を買ったので、ドライブのために運転したいです。

Because I bought a new car, I want to drive it for a road trip.

Combining reason (ので) with desire (たいです).

彼はプロの運転手として、毎日バスを運転しています。

As a professional driver, he drives a bus every day.

Using として (as) to indicate a role or profession.

雪道は滑りやすいので、慎重に運転する必要があります。

Snowy roads are slippery, so it is necessary to drive cautiously.

Expressing necessity with する必要があります.

免許を取ったばかりなので、まだ運転に慣れていません。

Because I just got my license, I am not used to driving yet.

Using たばかり (just did) and に慣れていません (not used to).

カーナビのおかげで、知らない道でも安心して運転できます。

Thanks to the car navigation system, I can drive with peace of mind even on unfamiliar roads.

Using おかげで (thanks to) and potential form できます.

環境のために、ハイブリッド車を運転する人が増えています。

For the sake of the environment, the number of people driving hybrid cars is increasing.

Using verb + 人 to modify a noun, and ています for an ongoing trend.

自動運転技術の進歩により、将来は人間が運転しなくなるかもしれない。

Due to advancements in autonomous driving technology, humans might stop driving in the future.

Using により (due to) and かもしれない (might).

高齢者の運転による交通事故が社会問題化している。

Traffic accidents caused by elderly people driving are becoming a social problem.

Using による (caused by) to link a noun phrase to a consequence.

長時間の運転は集中力を低下させるため、適度な休憩が不可欠だ。

Because driving for long hours lowers concentration, taking moderate breaks is essential.

Using causative form (低下させる) and ため (because/for).

彼は煽り運転をしたとして、警察に逮捕された。

He was arrested by the police on the grounds of tailgating/road rage.

Using とてし (on the grounds of/as) in a legal/news context.

どんなに急いでいても、制限速度を守って運転するべきだ。

No matter how much of a hurry you are in, you should drive observing the speed limit.

Using どんなに〜ても (no matter how) and べきだ (should).

電気自動車を運転することは、二酸化炭素の排出削減に貢献する。

Driving an electric vehicle contributes to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

Nominalizing a complex phrase with こと to act as the subject.

悪天候の中を運転させられたため、非常に疲労した。

Because I was made to drive in bad weather, I became extremely exhausted.

Using the causative-passive form (させられた) to express being forced to do something.

運転免許証の更新手続きを忘れないようにしなければならない。

I must make sure not to forget the renewal procedures for my driver's license.

Using ようにしなければならない (must make sure to).

完全な自動運転が実現すれば、運転という概念そのものが根底から覆るだろう。

If fully autonomous driving is realized, the very concept of driving will likely be fundamentally overturned.

Using advanced vocabulary (概念, 根底から覆る) and conditional ば.

飲酒運転に対する罰則が強化されたにもかかわらず、依然として違反者が後を絶たない。

Despite the strengthening of penalties for drunk driving, violators still continue to appear without end.

Using にもかかわらず (despite) and advanced phrasing (後を絶たない).

物流業界では、長距離トラックを運転するドライバーの労働環境改善が急務とされている。

In the logistics industry, improving the working environment for drivers who operate long-distance trucks is considered an urgent task.

Using formal passive structure (急務とされている) and industry-specific terms.

自動運転車の事故における法的責任の所在は、現在も激しい議論の的となっている。

The locus of legal responsibility in accidents involving autonomous vehicles remains a target of fierce debate.

Using における (in/regarding) and formal vocabulary (法的責任の所在).

過疎地における高齢者の移動手段を確保するため、コミュニティバスの運転ボランティアが募られている。

To secure means of transportation for the elderly in depopulated areas, volunteer drivers for community buses are being recruited.

Using ため (in order to) with formal passive (募られている).

彼の運転技術は極めて高く、どんな悪路でも車体を安定させて走行することができる。

His driving skills are extremely high, and he can drive while keeping the vehicle body stable on any rough road.

Using highly descriptive and technical language (極めて, 悪路, 車体を安定させて).

運転中のスマートフォン操作は、前方不注意を引き起こし、重大な事故に直結する極めて危険な行為である。

Operating a smartphone while driving causes inattention to the front and is an extremely dangerous act that leads directly to serious accidents.

Using formal definitive endings (である) and complex cause-and-effect structures.

次世代モビリティの普及には、インフラ整備だけでなく、運転者自身の意識改革も不可欠である。

For the widespread adoption of next-generation mobility, not only infrastructure development but also a change in the mindset of the drivers themselves is essential.

Using だけでなく〜も (not only... but also) in a formal, academic tone.

道路交通法の改正に伴い、ながら運転に対する反則金および違反点数が大幅に引き上げられた。

In accordance with the revision of the Road Traffic Act, the fines and violation points for distracted driving have been significantly increased.

Using に伴い (in accordance with) and precise legal terminology (反則金, 違反点数).

自動運転レベル4の解禁は、過疎地域におけるラストワンマイルの輸送課題を解決する切り札として期待を集めている。

The lifting of the ban on Level 4 autonomous driving is gathering expectations as a trump card to solve the last-mile transportation issues in depopulated areas.

Using highly specialized industry jargon (レベル4, ラストワンマイル, 切り札).

認知機能の低下が疑われる高齢ドライバーに対し、運転免許の自主返納を促すためのインセンティブ制度の拡充が求められている。

There is a demand for the expansion of incentive systems to encourage the voluntary return of driver's licenses for elderly drivers suspected of cognitive decline.

Using に対し (towards/regarding) and complex sociological phrasing (自主返納, インセンティブ制度).

AIによる運転支援システムは、人間のヒューマンエラーを補完する一方で、システムへの過信が新たなリスクを生むというパラドックスを抱えている。

While AI driving support systems complement human errors, they harbor the paradox that overreliance on the system creates new risks.

Using 一方で (on the other hand/while) to present a complex paradox.

モータリゼーションの進展は人々に移動の自由をもたらしたが、同時に交通事故という負の遺産をも社会に定着させることとなった。

The progress of motorization brought freedom of mobility to people, but at the same time, it established the negative legacy of traffic accidents in society.

Using historical and academic vocabulary (モータリゼーション, 負の遺産) with formal narrative structures.

自動運転車のアルゴリズムが、避けられない事故において誰の命を優先すべきかというトロッコ問題は、倫理学上の難題である。

The trolley problem of whose life the algorithm of an autonomous vehicle should prioritize in an unavoidable accident is a difficult problem in ethics.

Discussing complex philosophical and ethical concepts (トロッコ問題, 倫理学上の難題) related to driving.

都市計画の観点からは、自家用車の運転に依存しない、歩行者と公共交通機関を中心としたウォーカブルな街づくりが提唱されている。

From the perspective of urban planning, the creation of walkable cities centered on pedestrians and public transportation, not dependent on driving private cars, is being advocated.

Using 観点からは (from the perspective of) and urban planning terminology (ウォーカブルな街づくり).

運転という行為の主体が人間から機械へと移行する過渡期において、法制度と技術革新の乖離をいかに埋めるかが最大の焦点となる。

In the transitional period where the subject of the act of driving shifts from humans to machines, how to bridge the gap between the legal system and technological innovation becomes the biggest focus.

Using highly abstract and formal structures (主体, 過渡期, 乖離をいかに埋めるか).

자주 쓰는 조합

車を運転します (drive a car)

安全に運転します (drive safely)

バスを運転します (drive a bus)

電車を運転します (operate a train)

交代で運転します (take turns driving)

長距離を運転します (drive a long distance)

慎重に運転します (drive cautiously)

毎日運転します (drive every day)

自分で運転します (drive by oneself)

高速道路を運転します (drive on the highway)

자주 쓰는 구문

運転免許 (driver's license)

安全運転 (safe driving)

飲酒運転 (drunk driving)

自動運転 (autonomous driving)

運転手 (driver/chauffeur)

運転席 (driver's seat)

居眠り運転 (falling asleep at the wheel)

煽り運転 (tailgating/road rage)

運転代行 (designated driver service)

運転見合わせ (suspension of train service)

자주 혼동되는 단어

運転します vs 乗ります (norimasu - to ride as a passenger)

運転します vs 操縦します (soujuu shimasu - to pilot a plane/ship)

運転します vs 動かします (ugokashimasu - to physically move an object)

관용어 및 표현

혼동하기 쉬운

運転します vs

문장 패턴

사용법

note

While '運転します' is the standard translation for 'to drive', be careful not to use it for riding a bicycle (自転車に乗る) or flying a plane (飛行機を操縦する). It is strictly for operating motorized vehicles with wheels, or large machinery like trains.

자주 하는 실수

Saying 車に運転します instead of 車を運転します.
Using 運転します when riding as a passenger (should be 乗ります).
Using 運転します for bicycles (should be 乗ります).
Saying 運転しますは楽しいです instead of 運転するのは楽しいです.
Mispronouncing the word as 'unden' instead of 'unten'.

팁

Particle Mastery

Always pair the vehicle with the particle を. Think of を as the steering wheel that connects you to the car. 車を運転します。

Not for Bikes

Never use 運転します for bicycles. Bicycles use 乗ります (to ride). This is a very common mistake for English speakers.

Left Side Driving

Remember that in Japan, cars drive on the left side of the road, and the driver's seat is on the right. This is important context when discussing driving in Japan.

Double N Sound

Make sure to pronounce the 'n' in 'un' and 'ten' clearly. It takes up a full beat (mora) in Japanese pronunciation: u-n-te-n.

Driving vs Riding

If you are sitting in the passenger seat, you are NOT doing 運転します. You are doing 乗ります. Only the person with the steering wheel is driving.

Potential Form

When asked if you have a license, reply with 運転できます (I can drive) rather than 運転します (I drive). It sounds more natural.

Professional Drivers

Add 手 (shu/te) to 運転 to make 運転手 (driver). Use this for bus and taxi drivers.

Train Announcements

If you hear 運転見合わせ on a train, don't panic. It just means the train service is temporarily suspended, usually due to an accident or weather.

Phone Calls

If someone calls you while driving, say '今運転しています' (I'm driving now) and hang up. Using a phone while driving is illegal in Japan.

Kanji Practice

Practice writing the kanji 運 and 転. Notice that both contain the 'road/movement' radical (辶) or the 'car' radical (車), which perfectly matches the meaning.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine UNcle TEN (un-ten) driving a massive truck. He is carrying (運) ten rolling (転) tires in the back.

어원

Sino-Japanese (On'yomi)

문화적 맥락

No specific gender nuances. Used equally by all genders.

The standard polite form is 運転します (unten shimasu). The casual form is 運転する (unten suru). The humble form (Kenjougo) would be 運転いたします (unten itashimasu), used by professional drivers speaking to clients.

The verb itself does not change significantly across dialects, though the intonation might vary slightly in regions like Kansai.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"車の運転ができますか？ (Can you drive a car?)"

"毎日、仕事まで運転しますか？ (Do you drive to work every day?)"

"日本で運転したことがありますか？ (Have you ever driven in Japan?)"

"どんな車を運転したいですか？ (What kind of car do you want to drive?)"

"運転するのは好きですか？ (Do you like driving?)"

일기 주제

Describe your daily commute. Do you drive, or do you take public transportation?

Write about a memorable road trip you took. Who was driving?

What do you think are the most important rules for safe driving?

If you could drive any car in the world, what would it be and why?

Discuss the pros and cons of autonomous driving (自動運転).

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, you cannot. In Japanese, you do not 'drive' a bicycle. You must use the verb 乗ります (norimasu - to ride) or こぎます (kogimasu - to pedal). For example, 自転車に乗ります (I ride a bicycle).

運転します refers to the mechanical act of operating a vehicle. ドライブします is a loanword from English that specifically means 'to go for a drive for pleasure or leisure'. You use 運転します for commuting, but ドライブします for a fun weekend road trip.

You should use the particle を (wo) to mark the vehicle you are driving. For example, 車を運転します (I drive a car). Do not use に (ni) for the vehicle.

You use the te-form of the verb plus います. The correct phrase is 今、運転しています (ima, unten shite imasu).

No. For airplanes and ships, you should use the verb 操縦します (soujuu shimasu), which means to pilot or steer. 運転します is generally reserved for land vehicles like cars and trains.

You use the potential form of the verb. Since it is a Group 3 verb, the potential form is 運転できます (unten dekimasu). You can also say 車の運転ができます (kuruma no unten ga dekimasu).

運転手 (untenshu) means 'driver' or 'chauffeur'. It is a noun used to describe someone who drives as a profession, such as a taxi driver (タクシーの運転手) or a bus driver (バスの運転手).

運転 (unten) by itself is a noun meaning 'driving' or 'operation'. To make it a verb, you must add します (shimasu - to do), creating 運転します (to drive).

You use the adverb 安全に (anzen ni - safely) with the te-kudasai form of the verb. The phrase is 安全に運転してください (anzen ni unten shite kudasai).

飲酒運転 (inshu unten) means 'drunk driving'. It combines the words for drinking alcohol (飲酒) and driving (運転). It is a very serious crime in Japan with severe penalties.