Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we are learning the word 運転する (untensuru). It means 'to drive'. Think of a car! When you drive a car, you make it go. You can say 'I drive a car.' In Japanese, you say '私は車を運転します' (Watashi wa kuruma o untenshimasu). This is a very useful word for talking about cars and moving around. You can use it when you talk about your family driving or if you want to drive a car someday. It's a simple word for a big action!
Let's talk about 運転する (untensuru), which means 'to drive'. This verb is used when you control a vehicle, like a car or a bus. For example, 'My father drives a bus.' In Japanese, this is '私の父はバスを運転します' (Watashi no chichi wa basu o untenshimasu). It's important to know this word if you want to talk about transportation or getting around. You might also hear 'Can you drive?' which is '運転できますか？' (Unten dekimasu ka?). Learning this will help you understand many daily conversations.
The Japanese verb 運転する (untensuru) translates to 'to drive' in English. It specifically refers to the act of operating a vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle, or truck. You'll commonly use it with the particle 'o' (を) followed by the name of the vehicle. For instance, 'I often drive to work' would be '私はよく仕事に車を運転します' (Watashi wa yoku shigoto ni kuruma o untenshimasu). This verb is essential for discussing commutes, travel plans, or obtaining a driver's license. Understanding its usage allows for more natural conversations about mobility and personal transport.
運転する (untensuru) is the standard Japanese verb for 'to drive,' encompassing the operation of various vehicles. Its usage is generally neutral in formality. You'll frequently encounter collocations like 車を運転する (kuruma o unten suru - to drive a car) or 運転免許 (unten menkyo - driver's license). Beyond the literal act, the concept can extend metaphorically, though less commonly than in English. For example, being 'in the driver's seat' might be expressed as 運転席にいる (untenseki ni iru), implying control over a situation. Mastering this verb is key to discussing transportation logistics, road safety, and personal mobility in Japanese.
The verb 運転する (untensuru) signifies the act of operating a vehicle, a fundamental concept in modern society. While its primary meaning is literal – controlling the movement of cars, trains, or other conveyances – its nuances can be explored further. Consider its use in contexts beyond personal vehicles, such as operating complex machinery or even managing a project metaphorically, although such figurative uses are less prevalent than in English. The associated noun, 運転 (unten), refers to the operation itself or the driving license (運転免許 - unten menkyo). Understanding the grammatical patterns, like the object marker 'o' (を) with the vehicle, is crucial for precise expression. Discussions might involve 安全運転 (anzen unten - safe driving) or 無謀な運転 (mubou na unten - reckless driving), highlighting the ethical and behavioral dimensions associated with operating vehicles.
運転する (untensuru) denotes the deliberate act of controlling and navigating a vehicle. Its etymology, combining 'transport' (運) and 'turn' (転), reflects the mechanical process of wheeled locomotion. While predominantly literal, the semantic field can subtly expand. The noun form, 運転 (unten), is central to discussions of traffic law, automotive engineering, and driver psychology. For instance, legal discourse might differentiate between various forms of 'unten,' such as 危険運転 (kiken unten - dangerous driving) or 過失運転 (kashitsu unten - negligent driving). Culturally, the ability to drive is often a rite of passage, symbolized by the 運転免許 (unten menkyo). The verb's versatility allows for nuanced descriptions of driving styles, from 丁寧な運転 (teinei na unten - polite/careful driving) to 荒い運転 (arai unten - rough driving), reflecting societal attitudes towards road behavior and personal responsibility.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 運転する (untensuru) means 'to drive'.
- It's used for operating vehicles like cars, buses, and trucks.
- Requires the particle を (o) after the vehicle.
- A fundamental verb for daily life and travel.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese verb 運転する (untensuru). At its heart, it means 'to drive'. Think about hopping into a car, grabbing the steering wheel, and making it go – that's 運転する!
It's not just for cars, though. You can use 運転する for buses, trains, motorcycles, and even more complex machinery that you operate. The key idea is taking control and guiding something that moves. It's a fundamental verb for navigating the world, especially when you're talking about transportation.
Imagine you're telling a friend about your day. You might say, 'I drove to the store,' which in Japanese would be something like '店まで運転しました' (mise made untenshimashita). It's a verb you'll encounter constantly in daily life, from conversations about commuting to understanding traffic rules.
The word 運転 (unten) itself has fascinating roots! It comes from Chinese characters. The character 運 (un) means 'to transport,' 'to carry,' or 'to move,' while 転 (ten) means 'to turn,' 'to revolve,' or 'to roll.' So, literally, 運転 means something like 'to move by turning' or 'to transport by revolving.' This perfectly captures the essence of operating a vehicle, where wheels turn to make it move!
Historically, the term 運転 was used more broadly for the operation or management of things, not just vehicles. Over time, especially with the advent of automobiles and modern transportation, its meaning became more specifically associated with driving. It's a great example of how language evolves to describe new technologies and activities.
Think about how the English word 'drive' also evolved. It originally meant 'to force (an animal) to move along,' and later came to mean 'to operate a vehicle.' Both languages reflect a similar conceptual shift as human mobility changed. It's pretty cool how these words carry a piece of history with them!
So, when do we whip out 運転する? Mostly, it's when you're talking about the act of operating a vehicle. You'll hear it a lot in everyday conversations. For example, you might ask someone, '車を運転できますか？' (Kuruma o unten dekimasu ka?) – 'Can you drive a car?'
Common word combinations, or collocations, are super helpful here. You'll often see it paired with the type of vehicle: 車を運転する (kuruma o unten suru - to drive a car), バスを運転する (basu o unten suru - to drive a bus), トラックを運転する (torakku o unten suru - to drive a truck). It's also common to talk about *where* you drive: 高速道路を運転する (kousokudouro o unten suru - to drive on the highway) or 夜に運転する (yoru ni unten suru - to drive at night).
In terms of formality, 運転する is pretty neutral. You can use it in most situations, from casual chats with friends to more formal discussions about traffic or work. However, in very formal writing or specific technical contexts, you might encounter more specialized verbs, but 運転する remains the go-to for general driving.
While 運転する itself is quite literal, the concept of driving can pop up in some interesting expressions. It's less about idioms directly using the verb 'untensuru' and more about phrases related to the *act* or *state* of driving.
One common idea is being 'behind the wheel,' which implies responsibility or control. In Japanese, this might be expressed more directly, like '運転席にいる' (untenseki ni iru - to be in the driver's seat). This phrase can be used literally or metaphorically to mean being in charge.
Another related concept is 'getting a ride.' If someone is driving you, they are giving you a ride. You might say, '車に乗せてください' (Kuruma ni nosete kudasai) – 'Please give me a ride.' While not a direct idiom with 運転する, it's a very common phrase used by people who are not driving themselves.
Sometimes, you might hear expressions about 'losing control,' which can be linked to driving. For example, 'ハンドルを失う' (handoru o ushinau - to lose the steering wheel) could metaphorically mean losing control of a situation, though this is less common than the literal meaning.
It's worth noting that many idioms related to driving in English (like 'put the brakes on' or 'step on the gas') don't have direct one-to-one idiomatic translations using 運転する. You'd often use different verbs or phrasing to convey those ideas in Japanese.
Alright, let's talk grammar and sounds! 運転する is a regular 'suru' verb. This means it conjugates like other 'suru' verbs, such as '勉強する' (benkyou suru - to study) or '料理する' (ryouri suru - to cook). For example, the past tense is 運転しました (untenshimashita), and the '-te' form is 運転して (untenshite).
When you use it, you typically need a direct object, which is the vehicle you're driving. This object is marked with the particle を (o). So, it's always [Vehicle] + を + 運転する. For instance, 'I drive a car' is '私は車を運転します' (Watashi wa kuruma o untenshimasu).
Pronunciation-wise, let's break it down. In standard Japanese, it's roughly pronounced 'oon-ten-soo-roo'.
- UK Pronunciation (IPA approximation): /uːnˈtɛn.sʊ.ɾu/
- US Pronunciation (IPA approximation): /uːnˈtɛn.sʊ.ɾu/
The stress isn't as strong as in English, but the 'TEN' syllable usually gets a bit more emphasis. The 'r' sound is a flap, similar to the 'dd' in 'ladder' in American English. Rhyming words are tricky in Japanese as it's syllable-timed, but words ending in '-ensuru' or similar sounds might share a rhythmic quality.
Common pronunciation pitfalls for learners include making the 'r' sound too hard like an English 'r' or not clearly distinguishing the short 'u' sound at the end. Practice saying it slowly and clearly!
Fun Fact
The characters 運転 were originally used more broadly for the management or operation of various things, not exclusively vehicles. Its specific association with driving solidified with the rise of automobiles.
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with a long 'oo' sound, followed by 'n', then 'ten' with stress, a soft 'soo', and a light flap 'ru' sound.
Similar to UK, with the 'oo' sound, stressed 'ten', soft 'soo', and a tapped 'r' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'r' as a hard English 'r'.
- Making the 'u' sound at the end too strong.
- Not stressing the 'TEN' syllable sufficiently.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read in most contexts.
Straightforward to use in basic sentences.
Commonly used, easy to incorporate.
Frequently heard in daily conversations.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Direct Object Marker を (o)
車<strong>を</strong>運転する。
Potential Form (～できる)
運転でき<strong>ます</strong>か？ (Can you drive?)
'Suru' Verb Conjugation
運転します (present), 運転しました (past), 運転しない (negative)
Examples by Level
私は車を運転します。
I car drive.
Object marker 'o' (を) marks the direct object 'car'.
バスを運転できますか。
Bus drive can you?
'Dekimasu ka' is used to ask about ability.
父は運転が好きです。
Father driving likes.
'Suki desu' means 'likes'.
これは運転する車です。
This drive car is.
Describes the car's purpose.
運転は楽しいです。
Driving fun is.
Using the verb stem as a noun.
運転しないでください。
Drive please not.
Negative command form.
私は運転しません。
I drive not.
Simple negative form.
運転しましょう。
Drive let's.
'Shou' form for suggestion.
毎朝、自分で車を運転します。
Every morning, myself car drive.
'Jibun de' means 'by oneself'.
運転中に携帯電話を使うのは危ないです。
Driving during mobile phone use dangerous is.
'Naka ni' means 'during' or 'in'.
新しい運転免許を取りました。
New driving license got.
'Torimashita' is the past tense of 'toru' (to get).
週末はよく妻が運転します。
Weekend often wife drives.
'Yoku' means 'often'.
この道は運転が難しいです。
This road driving difficult is.
'Ga' can mark the subject of an adjective.
彼は運転がとても上手です。
He driving very skillful is.
'Jouzu desu' means 'is skillful'.
運転席に座ってください。
Driver's seat please sit.
'Sekki' means 'seat'.
運転手さん、お願いします。
Driver (sir/ma'am), please.
'O-negai shimasu' is a polite request.
初めて一人で車を運転した時のことを覚えていますか？
First time alone car drive when of remember you?
The structure '~した時のこと' refers to the time when something happened.
長距離の運転は疲れますが、景色を見るのが好きです。
Long-distance driving is tiring, but scenery to see like.
'Ga suki desu' expresses liking something.
彼は最近、大型トラックの運転を練習しています。
He recently, large truck driving practicing.
'~te imasu' indicates an ongoing action or state.
飲酒運転は絶対にやめましょう。
Drunk driving absolutely let's stop.
'~o yamemashou' is a suggestion to stop doing something.
この地域では、自転車の運転にも十分注意が必要です。
This area in, bicycle driving even sufficient caution necessary is.
'Juubun na' means 'sufficient' or 'enough'.
自動運転技術の進歩は目覚ましいものがあります。
Self-driving technology's progress remarkable thing has.
'Mezamashii mono ga arimasu' expresses something remarkable.
運転中に居眠りをしてしまい、危うく事故を起こすところでした。
Driving during dozing off did, narrowly accident cause almost.
'~shite shimau' can indicate an unintended action. '~tokoro deshita' means 'almost did'.
安全運転を心がけ、事故のない社会を目指しましょう。
Safe driving keep in mind, accident-free society aim.
'Kokorogake' means 'to keep in mind' or 'to strive for'.
週末に友人とキャンプに行くため、私が車を運転することになった。
Weekend with friend camping to go, I car drive decision made.
'~koto ni natta' means 'it was decided that...' or 'it turned out that...'
最近の車は自動運転機能が充実しており、長距離移動も楽になった。
Recent cars self-driving function well-equipped, long-distance travel easy became.
'Juujitsu shite ori' means 'is well-equipped' or 'is substantial'.
彼は運転マナーが悪いと評判で、同僚から注意されることもあったようだ。
His driving manners bad reputation, from colleagues warned happened seems.
'~to hyouban de' means 'due to the reputation that...'. '~koto mo atta you da' means 'it seems that sometimes...'
長時間の運転で疲労が蓄積し、判断力が鈍ってしまった。
Long hours driving fatigue accumulated, judgment ability dulled.
'Chikuseki suru' means 'to accumulate'. 'Nibirakatta' means 'dulled' or 'blunted'.
この地域では、観光客による無謀な運転が問題となっている。
This area in, tourists by reckless driving problem has become.
'~ga mondai to natte iru' means 'has become a problem'.
初心者マークをつけた車が急ブレーキをかけたため、後続車が慌てていた。
Beginner driver mark attached car sudden brake applied because, following cars flustered.
'~o tsuketa' means 'attached' or 'marked with'. '~kake ta tame' means 'because... applied'.
彼は、運転中に音楽を聴きながら歌うのが好きで、まるでコンサート会場にいるかのようだ。
He, driving during music listening singing likes, like concert hall in as if.
'~ka no you da' means 'as if...' or 'it seems like...'
交通渋滞を避けるため、早朝の運転を選択した。
Traffic jam to avoid, early morning driving chose.
'~o sakeru tame' means 'in order to avoid...'
自動運転車の普及は、交通事故の減少に寄与すると期待されている。
Self-driving cars' widespread adoption, traffic accidents' reduction contribute expected.
'Kifu suru' means 'to contribute'. 'Kiteki sarete iru' means 'is expected'.
彼は、運転中のストレスを軽減するために、常に車内を整理整頓している。
He, driving during stress to reduce, always car interior tidy keeps.
'Teizei shite iru' means 'to keep tidy/organized'.
過失運転致死傷罪は、重大な結果を招いた場合に適用されることが多い。
Negligent driving causing death/injury crime, grave consequences caused when applied often.
This is a legal term; 'kashitsu unten' (negligent driving) and 'chishou' (causing injury/death).
都市部では、自家用車の運転よりも公共交通機関の利用が推奨されている。
Urban areas in, private car driving than public transportation use encouraged.
'Suishou sarete iru' means 'is recommended'.
彼は、運転技術の向上を目指し、プロのレーシングドライバーから指導を受けている。
He, driving skill improvement aiming, from professional racing driver guidance receiving.
'Shidou o ukeru' means 'to receive guidance/instruction'.
長年の運転経験を持つベテランドライバーでも、予期せぬ状況には冷静な対応が求められる。
Many years driving experience having veteran driver even, unexpected situations calm response required.
'Yoki senu' means 'unexpected'. 'Reisei na taiou' means 'calm response'.
運転中のスマートフォン操作は、極めて危険であり、法的に厳しく罰せられる。
Driving during smartphone operation, extremely dangerous, legally strictly punished.
'Gokuraku' means 'extremely'. 'Banse rareru' means 'to be punished'.
この道路はカーブが多く、特に雨天時の運転には細心の注意が必要だ。
This road curves many, especially rainy weather driving requires utmost care.
'Usain no chuui' means 'utmost care' or 'meticulous attention'.
運転行動の分析は、交通心理学における重要な研究テーマの一つである。
Driving behavior analysis, traffic psychology in important research theme one is.
'Koutsuu shinrigaku' is 'traffic psychology'. 'Juyou na kenkyuu teema' means 'important research theme'.
彼は、運転中の感情の起伏が激しく、しばしば煽り運転と誤解されることがある。
He, driving during emotional ups and downs intense, often aggressive driving misunderstood sometimes.
'Kanjou no kifu' means 'emotional ups and downs'. 'Aori unten' is 'road rage' or 'aggressive driving'.
自動運転技術の倫理的課題、とりわけ事故発生時の責任の所在は、未だ議論の的となっている。
Autonomous driving technology's ethical issues, especially accident occurrence time responsibility's location, still point of contention.
'Rinriteki kadai' means 'ethical issues'. 'Sonzai' means 'location/existence'. 'Giron no mato' means 'point of contention/debate'.
長年の経験から培われた彼の運転技術は、まさに職人芸の域に達している。
Many years experience from cultivated his driving skill, truly craftsmanship level reached.
'Baichiku sareta' means 'cultivated'. 'Shokuningei' means 'craftsmanship'.
運転免許制度の国際的な調和は、グローバルなモビリティの向上に不可欠である。
Driver's license system's international harmonization, global mobility's improvement essential.
'Chouwa' means 'harmonization'. 'Fukaketsu' means 'essential/indispensable'.
彼は、運転中に音楽を聴くことで、精神的な安定を図り、集中力を維持しようと努めている。
He, driving during music listening by, mental stability seeks, concentration maintain tries.
'Seishinteki na antei' means 'mental stability'. 'Shuuchuuryoku o iji suru' means 'to maintain concentration'.
近年、AIによる運転判断支援システムの開発が急速に進展している。
Recent years, AI by driving judgment support system's development rapidly progressing.
'Shudan shien shisutemu' means 'judgment support system'. 'Shinpou suru' means 'to progress/advance'.
過労運転による事故の防止策として、ドライバーの労働時間管理の徹底が求められている。
Overwork driving by accident prevention measures, driver's working hours management thoroughness demanded.
'Karou unten' means 'driving due to overwork'. 'Tettei' means 'thoroughness/completeness'.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"ハンドルを握る (handoru o nigiru)"
To be in control, to be the driver.
このプロジェクトでは、私が<strong>ハンドルを握っています</strong>。
neutral/figurative"アクセルを踏む (akuseru o fumu)"
To accelerate; figuratively, to speed up or push forward with an effort.
目標達成のために、もっと<strong>アクセルを踏まなければならない</strong>。
neutral/figurative"ブレーキをかける (bureeki o kakeru)"
To brake; figuratively, to slow down or stop progress.
計画の進捗に<strong>ブレーキをかける</strong>必要がある。
neutral/figurative"暴走運転 (bousou unten)"
Reckless or runaway driving; often implies loss of control.
映画で見た<strong>暴走運転</strong>のシーンは迫力があった。
neutral"安全運転で (anzen unten de)"
Drive safely; a common parting phrase.
「じゃあ、またね。<strong>安全運転で</strong>！」
casual"運転席に座る (untenseki ni suwaru)"
To sit in the driver's seat; can be used literally or to mean taking charge.
会議では、彼が<strong>運転席に座る</strong>ことになった。
neutral/figurativeEasily Confused
Both relate to vehicles, but have different roles.
運転する is to operate/drive the vehicle. 乗る is to ride in or on something (as a passenger or rider).
私が<strong>運転します</strong>。あなたは<strong>乗ってください</strong>。
Both can describe the movement of vehicles.
運転する is the act of operating. 走る is generally used for trains or the act of running (people/animals). While sometimes used colloquially for cars, 運転する is more standard for operation.
電車が<strong>走っています</strong>。(The train is running.) vs. 私は車を<strong>運転します</strong>。(I drive a car.)
Both mean 'to operate' or 'control'.
運転する is primarily for road vehicles. 操縦する is more common for aircraft, ships, or complex machinery requiring skilled operation.
パイロットは飛行機を<strong>操縦する</strong>。(The pilot pilots the airplane.) vs. 彼は車を<strong>運転する</strong>。(He drives a car.)
Both mean 'to drive'.
ドライブする is a casual loanword, often implying leisure driving. 運転する is the standard, more versatile verb used in all contexts.
週末に海まで<strong>ドライブした</strong>。(I went for a drive to the sea on the weekend - casual) vs. 彼は仕事で毎日車を<strong>運転する</strong>。(He drives a car every day for work - standard/formal)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + は (wa) + Noun (vehicle) + を + 運転します (untenshimasu).
私は<strong>車を運転します</strong>。
Subject + は (wa) + Noun (vehicle) + の (no) +運転が (unten ga) + Adjective (e.g., 上手です - jouzu desu).
彼は<strong>車の運転が上手です</strong>。
Noun (place) + へ (e) / に (ni) + Subject + は (wa) + Noun (vehicle) + を + 運転して (untenshite) + 行きます (ikimasu).
週末は<strong>会社に車を運転して行きます</strong>。
Noun (time) + に + Subject + は (wa) + Noun (vehicle) + を + 運転する (untensuru) + の (no) + が (ga) + Verb (e.g., 好きです - suki desu / 苦手です - nigate desu).
<strong>夜に運転するのが好きです</strong>。
Noun (situation) + ために (tameni), + Subject + は (wa) + Noun (vehicle) + を + 運転する (untensuru) + ことになった (koto ni natta).
<strong>旅行のために車を運転することになった</strong>。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
走る is generally for people or animals running, or for vehicles like trains running on a track. For cars, 運転する is the correct verb.
The vehicle being driven is the direct object and requires the particle を.
運転する is for the person operating the vehicle, while 乗る is for being a passenger.
While ドライブする is common for leisure, 運転する is the standard and more versatile verb.
The Japanese 'r' is different from the English 'r'. Practice the flap sound.
Tips
Connect to Control
Remember that 運転 involves 'turning' (転) to 'move' (運). Focus on the idea of controlling the movement.
Vehicle + を
Always remember to use the particle を (o) after the vehicle you are driving: 車を運転する (kuruma o unten suru).
Driving as Independence
In Japan, like many places, getting a driver's license (運転免許) is a big step towards independence, especially for young adults.
'Suru' Verb Power
Treat 運転する like other 'suru' verbs (勉強する, 料理する). Its conjugation patterns are regular and predictable!
Master the 'R'
Practice the Japanese 'r' sound (a light flap) – it's crucial for clear pronunciation of 運転 (unten).
Don't 'Run' Your Car!
Avoid using 走る (hashiru - to run) for cars. Stick to 運転する for operating vehicles.
From Management to Motion
The characters 運転 originally meant 'manage' or 'operate' in a broader sense, showing how language adapts to technology.
Visualize the Controls
Imagine yourself physically operating the steering wheel, pedals, and gears. This kinesthetic connection can aid memory.
Literal vs. Figurative
While 運転する is mostly literal, be aware of related phrases like ハンドルを握る that have figurative meanings of control.
Role-Play Scenarios
Practice dialogues asking for rides, offering rides, or discussing driving experiences. This makes the verb more practical.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine an 'un'tamed horse that you have to 'ten'd to (control) to make it 'suru' (do what you want) - like driving!
Visual Association
Picture yourself gripping a steering wheel, turning it left and right ('ten'), while saying 'Un-ten! Un-ten!' as you drive.
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing your commute to a friend using 運転する. For example, '毎日、電車を運転します' (Mainichi, densha o untenshimasu - I drive the train every day - if you were a train driver!).
Word Origin
Chinese (漢語 - kango)
Original meaning: 運 (un) - transport, move; 転 (ten) - turn, revolve. Combined: 'to move by turning' or 'to transport by revolving'.
Cultural Context
Discussions around driving often involve safety (e.g., drunk driving, speeding) and environmental impact (e.g., emissions, electric vehicles). Reckless driving can be a sensitive topic due to potential harm.
In many English-speaking cultures, driving is a significant symbol of independence and adulthood, often associated with freedom and mobility. Obtaining a driver's license is a major milestone.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Daily Commute
- 毎朝、車を運転して会社に行きます。
- 週末はよく妻が運転します。
- 運転中に音楽を聴くのが好きです。
Travel and Leisure
- レンタカーを運転して観光しました。
- 海までドライブしました。
- 長距離運転は疲れますが、景色が綺麗でした。
Obtaining a License
- 運転免許を取りたいです。
- 運転練習をしています。
- 運転が上手になりたいです。
Safety and Rules
- 安全運転を心がけましょう。
- 飲酒運転は絶対にだめです。
- スピードの出しすぎに注意してください。
Conversation Starters
"最近、車を運転しましたか？どこへ行きましたか？"
"運転免許を持っていますか？いつ取りましたか？"
"もし自分で車を運転できるとしたら、どこへ行きたいですか？"
"運転で一番怖いことは何ですか？"
"あなたの国の交通ルールで、特に注意すべきことはありますか？"
Journal Prompts
Describe your first experience driving a car. What did you feel?
Write about a memorable road trip you took. Who was driving?
Imagine you could drive any vehicle in the world. What would it be and why?
What are the pros and cons of driving in your city/country compared to using public transport?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions運転する means 'to drive' (to operate the vehicle), while 乗る means 'to ride' or 'to get on/in' (as a passenger). You 運転する a car, but you 乗る in a car.
Yes, you can use 運転する for trains (電車を運転する - densha o untensuru), especially if you are talking about the train operator's job. However, sometimes 走行する (soukou suru - to run/travel) is used to describe the train's movement itself.
The noun form is 運転 (unten), which means 'driving' or 'operation'.
The most common word for a driver is 運転手 (untenshu). If it's specifically a taxi driver, you might say タクシー運転手 (takushii untenshu).
Not exactly. ドライブする is a loanword from English and usually implies leisure driving, like going for a pleasure trip. 運転する is the general term for operating any vehicle and can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
It means 'driver's license'. It's the official document that permits you to drive.
While less common than in English, phrases like ハンドルを握る (handoru o nigiru - to hold the steering wheel) can be used figuratively to mean 'to be in control'. The verb 運転する itself is usually quite literal.
The opposite action could be being a passenger (助手席に乗る - joshuseki ni noru), or simply not driving (運転しない - unten shinai). If referring to the mode of transport, walking (歩く - aruku) is an opposite.
Test Yourself
私は毎日、______を運転します。
The most common vehicle to 'drive' in this context is a car (車).
What does 運転手 (untenshu) mean?
運転手 is the person who drives.
「運転する」 can only be used for cars.
運転する can be used for buses, trucks, motorcycles, and even trains.
Word
Meaning
These are common compound words related to driving.
The correct sentence is 「長距離の運転は疲れます。」 (Long-distance driving is tiring).
飲酒______は絶対にやめましょう。
飲酒運転 (inshu unten) is the standard term for drunk driving.
Which phrase means 'to be in control' figuratively?
ハンドルを握る literally means 'to grip the steering wheel' and figuratively means to be in charge or control.
最近の車は______運転機能が充実している。
自動運転 (jidou unten) means automatic driving or self-driving.
過失______による事故の防止策として、労働時間管理の徹底が求められている。
過失運転 (kashitsu unten) refers to negligent driving, often in a legal context.
Translate: 'The analysis of driving behavior is an important research theme in traffic psychology.'
This is the most accurate and nuanced translation, using appropriate formal vocabulary.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 運転する opens up conversations about transportation, independence, and navigating the world.
- 運転する (untensuru) means 'to drive'.
- It's used for operating vehicles like cars, buses, and trucks.
- Requires the particle を (o) after the vehicle.
- A fundamental verb for daily life and travel.
Connect to Control
Remember that 運転 involves 'turning' (転) to 'move' (運). Focus on the idea of controlling the movement.
Vehicle + を
Always remember to use the particle を (o) after the vehicle you are driving: 車を運転する (kuruma o unten suru).
Driving as Independence
In Japan, like many places, getting a driver's license (運転免許) is a big step towards independence, especially for young adults.
'Suru' Verb Power
Treat 運転する like other 'suru' verbs (勉強する, 料理する). Its conjugation patterns are regular and predictable!
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More travel words
くらい/ぐらい
B1Particle indicating extent, degree, or 'about/approximately'.
宿泊
B1The act of staying overnight in a place, such as a hotel or guest house. Essential for IELTS General Task 1 letters regarding travel complaints or bookings.
入場料
B1The fee paid to enter a place.
入場券
B1A ticket allowing entry to an event or place.
冒険
B1Adventure; an exciting or unusual experience.
手頃
B1Reasonable in price or size; affordable, suitable.
〜の後に
B1After (a noun or event).
〜の後で
B1After (time or place), behind.
飛行場
A2Airport.
航空会社
B1Airline company.
