うんてんする in 30 Seconds
- A common Japanese verb meaning 'to drive' a car, bus, or train.
- Formed by the noun 'unten' and the verb 'suru', making it a Suru-verb.
- Used with the particle 'o' for the vehicle and 'de' for the location.
- Essential for discussing transportation, licenses, and safety in Japan.
The Japanese verb うんてんする (unten suru) is a compound verb formed by the noun 運転 (unten), meaning 'operation' or 'driving', and the auxiliary verb する (suru), meaning 'to do'. In its most basic sense, it translates to 'to drive' in English. However, its usage in Japanese is slightly more specific than the English 'drive', which can sometimes refer to the movement of the vehicle itself rather than the act of operating it. When you use うんてんする, you are emphasizing the technical skill and physical action of controlling a vehicle, such as a car, truck, bus, or train. It is not typically used for bicycles or motorcycles, where the verb のる (noru - to ride) or こぐ (kogu - to pedal) is preferred. This word is essential for daily life in Japan, especially when discussing commutes, travel plans, or professional qualifications.
- Core Meaning
- To operate a motorized vehicle, focusing on the act of steering and controlling its movement.
- Common Contexts
- Commuting by car, professional bus or train operation, and discussing driving licenses.
父は毎日、仕事のために車をうんてんします。(My father drives a car every day for work.)
In a broader social context, うんてんする carries a weight of responsibility. In Japan, the legal drinking age and driving regulations are extremely strict. Therefore, the phrase お酒を飲んだら運転しない (O-sake o nondara unten shinai - Don't drive if you drink) is a common societal mantra. The word is also used in technical fields to describe the operation of large machinery or systems, though sousa suru (to operate) is a more common synonym for smaller devices. Understanding this word also opens up related vocabulary like うんてんし (unten-shu), which refers to a professional driver. Whether you are talking about a weekend road trip to Mount Fuji or the precision of a Shinkansen operator, うんてんする is the foundational verb you will need to describe the mastery of a moving machine.
彼は大型トラックをうんてんするのがとても上手です。(He is very good at driving large trucks.)
- Register
- Neutral to Formal. It is suitable for both casual conversation and professional reports.
この電車は自動でうんてんされています。(This train is being operated automatically.)
雨の日はうんてんするときに注意が必要です。(On rainy days, caution is necessary when driving.)
- Visual Image
- A person sitting in a driver's seat with hands on a steering wheel, looking forward at the road.
将来、空飛ぶ車をうんてんしてみたいです。(In the future, I want to try driving a flying car.)
Grammatically, うんてんする is a Suru-verb. This means it follows the standard conjugation patterns of the verb 'suru'. To use it correctly, you typically identify the vehicle being driven using the object particle を (o). For example, 'driving a car' is kuruma o unten suru. If you want to describe the location or the means by which you drive, you might use particles like で (de). For instance, 'driving on the highway' is kousoku-douro de unten suru. It is important to note that the verb can be conjugated into polite form (unten shimasu), past form (unten shita), and continuous form (unten shite iru) to indicate that someone is currently driving.
- Transitivity
- It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object (the vehicle).
- Politeness Levels
- Standard: unten suru; Polite: unten shimasu; Humble: unten itashimasu (rarely used unless by a chauffeur).
初めて一人で車をうんてんしたときは、とても緊張しました。(I was very nervous when I drove a car alone for the first time.)
When using the potential form to say 'can drive', you change suru to dekiru. Thus, 'I can drive' is unten dekiru or unten ga dekimasu. This is a very common phrase when people ask about your skills or when you are traveling in a group and need to decide who will take the wheel. Another frequent construction is the negative form unten shinai, used when someone chooses not to drive, perhaps due to fatigue or having consumed alcohol. The verb also frequently appears in the 'while' construction using nagara: unten shinagara (while driving). For example, unten shinagara denwa o shite wa ikemasen (you must not talk on the phone while driving).
母はゴールド免許を持っていますが、あまりうんてんしません。(My mother has a gold license, but she doesn't drive much.)
- Negative Form
- うんてんしない (unten shinai) - used for habits or future intent.
彼は昨日、１０時間もうんてんし続けたそうです。(I heard he continued driving for 10 hours yesterday.)
安全にうんてんすることは、ドライバーの義務です。(Driving safely is the duty of a driver.)
- Potential Form
- うんてんできる (unten dekiru) - can drive.
夜にうんてんするのは、目が疲れます。(Driving at night tires the eyes.)
The word うんてんする is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life. You will hear it most frequently in family discussions about who will drive to the supermarket or on a vacation. In urban centers like Tokyo or Osaka, where many people rely on trains, you might hear it in the context of 'paper drivers' (people who have a license but never drive). Public transportation is another major source of this word. On trains, you might hear announcements regarding the unten-joukyou (operating status) or unten-miawase (suspension of operation). These formal announcements use the noun form of the word to inform commuters about delays or cancellations due to weather or accidents.
- Public Transport
- Used to describe the running status of trains and buses.
- News Media
- Reporting on traffic accidents or new driving laws.
強風のため、電車のうんてんが見合わされています。(Due to strong winds, train operations are being suspended.)
In television dramas and movies, うんてんする often appears in scenes involving police investigations or romantic road trips. Police officers might ask, 'Doko de unten shite imashita ka?' (Where were you driving?). In the context of the modern tech industry, you will frequently see jidou-unten (autonomous driving) in the news, as companies like Toyota and Nissan develop self-driving cars. This has brought the word into the realm of futuristic discussions and ethical debates. Additionally, at a driving school (jidousha kyoukyuujo), instructors use this word constantly to guide students through the mechanics of steering, braking, and accelerating.
最新のテクノロジーで、車が自動でうんてんする時代が来ました。(With the latest technology, the era of cars driving themselves has arrived.)
- Social Media
- Influencers posting about their 'drive date' (unten deeto).
今日は天気がいいので、海までうんてんして行こう。(The weather is nice today, so let's drive to the sea.)
彼はプロのうんてん手として２０年働いています。(He has worked as a professional driver for 20 years.)
- Safety Slogans
- 'Anzen Unten' (Safe Driving) is seen on posters everywhere in Japan.
お酒を飲んだら、絶対にうんてんしてはいけません。(You must never drive after drinking alcohol.)
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using うんてんする when they should use のる (noru). In English, we say 'I drive my bike to school', but in Japanese, うんてんする is strictly for vehicles with steering wheels or complex controls. For a bicycle, you must use jitensha ni noru or jitensha o kogu. Using unten suru for a bicycle sounds very strange to native speakers, almost as if you are treating the bike like a heavy industrial machine. Similarly, if you are a passenger in a car, you are not 'unten suru'; you are 'notte iru' (riding). Only the person behind the wheel is 'unten' doing.
- Mistake 1: Vehicle Type
- Using it for bicycles or motorcycles. Correct: noru (ride).
- Mistake 2: Passenger Status
- Saying 'I drive' when you are just a passenger. Correct: notte iru.
× 自転車をうんてんする (Incorrect for bike)
○ 自転車にのる (Correct for bike)
Another error involves confusing うんてんする with はしる (hashiru - to run/drive along). While a car can 'hashiru' (run along the road), a person 'unten suru' (drives the car). You wouldn't say 'I am running the car' in the same way you drive it. Furthermore, learners sometimes forget that うんてん is a noun. You can say unten ga jouzu (skilled at driving), but you cannot say unten-shimasu ga jouzu. Keeping the noun and verb functions distinct is key to natural-sounding Japanese. Lastly, be careful with the particle ni vs o. While you ride 'ni' a vehicle (kuruma ni noru), you drive 'o' a vehicle (kuruma o unten suru).
× 車にうんてんする (Incorrect particle)
○ 車をうんてんする (Correct particle)
- Mistake 3: Particle Confusion
- Confusing 'ni' (used with noru) and 'o' (used with unten suru).
× 運転がうんてんします (Grammatically broken)
○ 運転をします / 運転します (Correct)
× 船をうんてんする (Technically 'soujuu suru' is better for ships)
○ 船を操縦（そうじゅう）する (Correct for ships/planes)
While うんてんする is the go-to word for driving a car, Japanese has several other verbs for operating different types of things. Understanding these nuances will make your Japanese sound much more sophisticated. For example, そうじゅうする (sojuu suru) is used for steering or piloting complex vehicles like airplanes, ships, or even giant robots in anime. If you are operating a small machine, a computer, or a piece of equipment, そうさする (sousa suru) is the correct term. If you are 'driving' or 'running' a business or a project, you would use けいえいする (keiei suru) or unei suru. Using unten suru for a business would imply you are physically steering the office building!
- うんてんする (Unten suru)
- Standard driving for cars, buses, and trains. Focuses on transport.
- そうじゅうする (Sojuu suru)
- Piloting or maneuvering. Used for aircraft, boats, and heavy machinery.
- そうさする (Sousa suru)
- Operating or handling. Used for remote controls, computers, and tools.
パイロットは飛行機を操縦（そうじゅう）します。(The pilot maneuvers the airplane.)
Another interesting alternative is ドライブする (doraibu suru). While unten suru is a functional verb about the act of driving, doraibu suru is more about the leisure activity. You 'unten' to get to work, but you 'doraibu' to see the autumn leaves or go to the beach. Doraibu suggests a fun trip or a 'drive' in the sense of an outing. If you tell a friend 'Unten shimashou!', it sounds like you are offering to perform a task. If you say 'Doraibu ni ikimashou!', it sounds like an invitation for a fun date or excursion. Understanding this distinction helps you navigate social situations more effectively.
週末は家族で伊豆までドライブに行きました。(This weekend, I went for a drive to Izu with my family.)
- ドライブ (Doraibu)
- A loanword used for leisure driving or road trips.
機械の操作（そうさ）方法を教えてください。(Please teach me how to operate the machine.)
新しいシステムの運用（うんよう）が始まりました。(The operation/management of the new system has begun.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The kanji for 'unten' literally means 'to carry while rolling'. This perfectly describes the motion of a wheeled vehicle.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'un' like the English 'un-' in 'unhappy'. It should be a nasal 'n'.
- Stress on the wrong syllable. Japanese is pitch-accented, not stress-accented.
- Making the 'ru' sound like an English 'r'. It should be a tongue tap like a 'd'.
- Lengthening the vowels unnecessarily.
- Failing to pronounce the 'n' in 'unten' clearly before the 't'.
Difficulty Rating
Hiragana is easy; Kanji (運転) is common but needs study.
Kanji for 'un' and 'ten' have many strokes.
Easy to pronounce and conjugate as a suru-verb.
Distinct sound, very common in daily life.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Suru-verbs
運転する、運転します、運転した
Potential form with suru-verbs
運転できる (can drive)
Particle 'o' for direct objects
車を運転する
Particle 'de' for means/location
高速道路で運転する
Simultaneous actions with nagara
運転しながら話す
Examples by Level
わたしはくるまをうんてんします。
I drive a car.
Basic present tense polite form.
あなたはうんてんできますか。
Can you drive?
Potential form (dekiru).
ちちはまいにちうんてんします。
My father drives every day.
Third person subject.
あした、くるまをうんてんしますか。
Will you drive a car tomorrow?
Future intent question.
うんてんはたのしいです。
Driving is fun.
Using 'unten' as a noun.
くるまをうんてんしません。
I don't drive a car.
Negative polite form.
ここでうんてんしてください。
Please drive here.
Request form (~te kudasai).
だれがうんてんしますか。
Who will drive?
Question word 'dare' (who).
きのうは５じかんうんてんしました。
I drove for five hours yesterday.
Past tense with duration.
うんてんしながら、ラジオをききます。
I listen to the radio while driving.
Simultaneous action (~nagara).
あぶないですから、ゆっくりうんてんしてください。
It's dangerous, so please drive slowly.
Adverbial use (yukkuri).
うんてんめんきょをもっていますか。
Do you have a driver's license?
Noun phrase 'unten menkyo'.
はははうんてんがあまりじょうずではありません。
My mother is not very good at driving.
Describing skill level.
にほんでうんてんするのははじめてです。
It is my first time driving in Japan.
Nominalizing a verb with 'no'.
おさけをのんだら、うんてんしてはいけません。
You must not drive if you drink alcohol.
Prohibition (~te wa ikemasen).
ともだちとこうたいでうんてんしました。
I took turns driving with my friend.
Compound action (koutai de).
雨の日は、運転する時に注意が必要です。
On rainy days, caution is necessary when driving.
Using 'toki' (when) with a verb.
彼は運転するのがとても上手なので、安心です。
Since he is very good at driving, I feel safe.
Giving a reason with 'node'.
高速道路を運転するのは、少し怖いです。
Driving on the highway is a bit scary.
Nominalizing with 'no'.
自動で運転する車が、もっと増えるでしょう。
Cars that drive automatically will probably increase.
Relative clause modifying 'kuruma'.
運転免許試験に合格するために、毎日練習しています。
I practice every day to pass the driver's license exam.
Expressing purpose with 'tame ni'.
夜遅くに運転するのは、目が疲れます。
Driving late at night tires the eyes.
Subject clause with 'no wa'.
この電車は、現在運転を見合わせています。
Operation of this train is currently suspended.
Formal noun usage in 'unten-miawase'.
彼はプロの運転手として、長い間働いています。
He has been working as a professional driver for a long time.
Using 'toshite' (as).
長距離を運転する場合、こまめに休憩をとるべきだ。
When driving long distances, you should take frequent breaks.
Expressing obligation with 'beki da'.
自動運転技術の進化により、交通事故が減ることが期待されている。
With the evolution of autonomous driving technology, it is expected that traffic accidents will decrease.
Passive voice 'kitai sarete iru'.
彼は飲酒運転で免許停止処分を受けた。
He received a license suspension for drunk driving.
Compound noun 'inshu-unten'.
雪道での運転には、スタッドレスタイヤが不可欠だ。
Studless tires are essential for driving on snowy roads.
Noun phrase 'yukimichi de no unten'.
彼は仕事で大型トラックを運転することに慣れている。
He is used to driving large trucks for work.
Expressing familiarity with 'ni narete iru'.
運転中のスマホ操作は、法律で厳しく禁じられている。
Operating a smartphone while driving is strictly forbidden by law.
Describing a state with 'chuu' (during).
高齢者の運転による事故が、社会問題となっている。
Accidents caused by elderly drivers are becoming a social issue.
Using 'ni yoru' to indicate cause.
安全運転を心がけることは、全てのドライバーの義務だ。
Striving for safe driving is the duty of all drivers.
Using 'kokoro-gakeru' (to keep in mind).
鉄道の安全な運転を維持するためには、徹底した点検が欠かせない。
Thorough inspections are essential to maintain the safe operation of railways.
Formal noun usage for railway operation.
自動運転レベル４の実装に向けた法整備が進められている。
Legal frameworks are being developed for the implementation of Level 4 autonomous driving.
Technical terminology 'reberu 4'.
運転資金の不足により、そのプロジェクトは中断せざるを得なかった。
Due to a lack of operating funds, the project had to be suspended.
Metaphorical/Business use of 'unten' (operating funds).
彼は非常に冷静な判断力を持っており、過酷な状況下でも的確に運転できる。
He possesses very calm judgment and can drive accurately even under harsh conditions.
Describing professional skill.
物流業界における運転手不足は、深刻な課題となっている。
The shortage of drivers in the logistics industry has become a serious challenge.
Societal context 'butsuryuu gyoukai'.
この施設は、２４時間体制で運転管理が行われている。
This facility's operation is managed on a 24-hour basis.
Industrial application of 'unten'.
運転免許の自主返納を促すキャンペーンが、全国で展開されている。
Campaigns encouraging the voluntary surrender of driver's licenses are being carried out nationwide.
Specific social policy term 'jishu-hennou'.
高度な運転技術を要するこのコースは、プロでも苦戦する。
This course, which requires advanced driving techniques, is difficult even for professionals.
Using 'yousuru' (to require).
歴史の歯車を運転するかのように、その指導者は国家を導いた。
The leader guided the nation as if driving the gears of history.
Metaphorical use in literature.
自動運転アルゴリズムにおける倫理的ジレンマは、未だ解決の糸口が見えない。
The ethical dilemmas in autonomous driving algorithms still show no signs of resolution.
Academic/Philosophical context.
企業の運転効率を最大化するために、最新のAIシステムが導入された。
To maximize corporate operating efficiency, the latest AI systems were introduced.
Business efficiency context.
彼は自らの運命を運転する主体性を、その作品の中で強調している。
In his work, he emphasizes the agency of driving one's own destiny.
Abstract philosophical usage.
プラントの試運転が完了し、いよいよ本格的な稼働が始まる。
The trial operation of the plant has been completed, and full-scale operation will finally begin.
Technical term 'shi-unten' (trial run).
都市交通システムの最適化は、円滑な社会運営に不可欠な要素である。
Optimization of urban transport systems is an essential element for smooth social operation.
Complex noun phrase 'shakai un-ei'.
運転席から見える景色は、彼の人生の変遷を物語っていた。
The scenery visible from the driver's seat told the story of the transitions in his life.
Literary narrative style.
法規制と技術革新のせめぎ合いが、運転の定義そのものを変えようとしている。
The conflict between legal regulations and technological innovation is about to change the very definition of driving.
Advanced sociological analysis.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Noru means to ride as a passenger or on a bike; unten suru is only for the driver of a motorized vehicle.
Sojuu is for planes/ships; unten is for cars/trains.
Hashiru is the action of the car moving; unten is the action of the person driving.
Idioms & Expressions
— To take the wheel/to drive. Implies taking control of the vehicle.
彼がハンドルを握るとスピードを出す。
Neutral— To step on the gas. Can also mean to speed up a project.
仕事のアクセルを踏む。
Metaphorical— To apply the brakes. Often used to mean stopping a plan.
計画にブレーキをかける。
Metaphorical— Tailgating or aggressive driving. A major social issue in Japan.
煽り運転は厳罰化された。
Social/Legal— To make a driving error. Common in accident reports.
ハンドル操作を誤り、壁に衝突した。
Formal/NewsEasily Confused
Both involve operating things.
Sousa is for small machines/buttons; unten is for moving vehicles.
スマホを操作する vs 車を運転する
Both start with 'un'.
Un-you is for systems, assets, or software; unten is for physical vehicles.
資産を運用する vs 電車を運転する
In English, 'running' a business is like 'driving' it.
Keiei is for business management; unten is strictly mechanical.
会社を経営する
Technical term for 'drive'.
Kudou is the mechanical 'drive' (like 4WD); unten is the human act.
四輪駆動 (4WD)
Means 'operation'.
Kadou is a machine being 'on' or 'working'; unten is the act of controlling it.
工場が稼働する
Sentence Patterns
[Vehicle] を うんてんする。
くるまを うんてんする。
[Vehicle] を うんてんできる。
バスを うんてんできる。
うんてんしながら [Action]。
うんてんしながら 音楽をきく。
うんてんする ために [Purpose]。
運転するために 免許を取る。
[Location] で 運転するのは [Adjective]。
雪道で 運転するのは 危険だ。
[Reason] により 運転を見合わせる。
事故により 運転を見合わせる。
[Person] による 運転。
プロによる 運転は 素晴らしい。
[System] の 運転管理を行う。
工場の 運転管理を行う。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Extremely high in both spoken and written Japanese.
-
Using 'unten suru' for a bicycle.
→
jitensha ni noru
Unten suru is for motorized vehicles with steering wheels.
-
Using 'ni' particle for the vehicle.
→
kuruma o unten suru
Unten suru takes the direct object particle 'o'.
-
Confusing with 'sousa suru'.
→
unten suru (for cars)
Sousa is for machines/buttons; unten is for driving.
-
Saying 'unten shite iru' as a passenger.
→
kuruma ni notte iru
Only the person steering is 'unten' doing.
-
Using 'unten suru' for a business.
→
keiei suru
Unten is for mechanical operation, not management.
Tips
Suru-Verb Conjugation
Remember that 'unten suru' follows all the rules of 'suru'. Practice the past, negative, and potential forms to be versatile.
License Terms
Learn 'unten menkyo' early. You'll need this term if you ever want to rent a car or convert your license in Japan.
Zero Tolerance
Japan has zero tolerance for 'inshu-unten'. Never use the word 'unten suru' lightly if alcohol is involved.
Offer to Drive
When traveling with friends, say 'Watashi ga unten shimasu yo' (I'll drive) to be helpful.
Train Announcements
Pay attention to the word 'unten' in stations. It's usually followed by 'joukyou' (status) or 'saikai' (resumption).
Safe Driving Slogan
Memorize 'anzen unten'. You will see it on signs everywhere, reminding you to be careful.
Not for Passengers
If you are in the car but not driving, use 'notte iru'. Don't say 'unten shite iru' or people will think you're at the wheel!
Kanji Meaning
The kanji 運 (un) is also in 'unmei' (fate). Think of driving as 'carrying your fate' to remember it.
Autonomous Driving
Learn 'jidou-unten' to participate in modern tech conversations. It's a very common news topic.
Drive Date
Use 'doraibu' for dates. 'Unten' sounds a bit too much like a job or chore in a romantic context.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'UN' as 'under control' and 'TEN' as 'ten fingers' on the wheel. You drive with ten fingers under control.
Visual Association
Imagine a steering wheel with the word UN written on the left and TEN on the right.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to say 'unten shimasu' every time you get into a car for the next three days.
Word Origin
Composed of two Kanji characters: 運 (un) and 転 (ten). 運 means to carry, transport, or luck/fate. 転 means to roll or turn.
Original meaning: The original meaning referred to the rolling or turning of wheels to transport something.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).Cultural Context
Be aware of discussions regarding elderly drivers, which is a sensitive social topic in Japan due to recent accidents.
Unlike the US where driving is a rite of passage at 16, in Japan the age is 18 and the process is very expensive.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Commuting
- 車で通勤する
- 渋滞で運転が大変だ
- 毎日1時間運転する
- 運転中にニュースを聞く
Travel
- レンタカーを運転する
- 交代で運転しよう
- 海岸線を運転する
- 知らない道を運転する
Safety
- 安全運転を心がける
- スピードを出しすぎない
- 脇見運転をしない
- 飲酒運転禁止
Public Transport
- 電車が運転を見合わせる
- 運転士が交代する
- ダイヤ通りに運転する
- 臨時列車の運転
Technology
- 自動運転システム
- 運転支援機能
- 電気自動車を運転する
- AIが運転する
Conversation Starters
"普段、車を運転しますか？ (Do you usually drive a car?)"
"運転免許は持っていますか？ (Do you have a driver's license?)"
"運転するのは好きですか、嫌いですか？ (Do you like or dislike driving?)"
"日本で運転したことがありますか？ (Have you ever driven in Japan?)"
"自動運転の車についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about self-driving cars?)"
Journal Prompts
今日、どこかへ運転して行きましたか？その時の様子を書いてください。 (Did you drive somewhere today? Write about it.)
初めて運転した時の思い出を詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about your memories of the first time you drove.)
将来、どんな車を運転してみたいですか？ (What kind of car would you like to drive in the future?)
あなたの国と日本の運転マナーの違いは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think are the differences in driving manners between your country and Japan?)
運転中に何を考えることが多いですか？ (What do you often think about while driving?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you should use 'jitensha ni noru' (ride a bike) or 'jitensha o kogu' (pedal a bike). 'Unten suru' is for motorized vehicles with steering wheels.
'Unten suru' is the functional act of driving (like to work), while 'doraibu suru' refers to driving for pleasure or a road trip.
It is a noun ('driving') that becomes a verb when you add 'suru' ('to drive').
You say 'unten dekimasu' or 'unten ga dekimasu'.
Yes, it is the standard word for operating a train, though the operator is called an 'unten-shi'.
It means 'suspension of operation,' usually heard at train stations during delays.
The word is 'inshu-unten' (飲酒運転).
Use 'o' for the vehicle (e.g., kuruma o unten suru).
For a small boat, 'unten' is okay, but 'sojuu' (操縦) is more common for larger vessels.
A 'pepaa doraibaa' is someone who has a license but does not actually drive.
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write 'I drive a car' in Japanese (polite).
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Write 'Can you drive?' in Japanese (polite).
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Translate: 'Driving is fun.'
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Write 'I drove yesterday' in Japanese (polite).
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Translate: 'Safe driving is important.'
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Write 'I don't drive' in Japanese (polite).
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Translate: 'Please drive slowly.'
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Write 'driver's license' in Kanji.
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Translate: 'I listen to music while driving.'
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Write 'safe driving' in Kanji.
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Translate: 'I want to drive a truck.'
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Write 'autonomous driving' in Kanji.
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Translate: 'He is a taxi driver.'
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Write 'train operation suspension' in Kanji.
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Translate: 'I am not good at driving.'
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Write 'drunk driving' in Kanji.
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Translate: 'Driving at night is difficult.'
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Write 'driver's seat' in Kanji.
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Translate: 'I have a driver's license.'
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Write 'to drive' (dictionary form) in Kanji.
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Say 'I can drive' in Japanese.
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Say 'I drive every day' in Japanese.
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Say 'Do you have a license?' in Japanese.
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Say 'I like driving' in Japanese.
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Say 'Please drive safely' in Japanese.
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Say 'I'll drive today' in Japanese.
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Say 'I'm tired from driving' in Japanese.
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Say 'Is it okay to drive here?' in Japanese.
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Say 'I listen to the radio while driving' in Japanese.
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Say 'I'm not good at driving' in Japanese.
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Say 'I'm a paper driver' in Japanese.
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Say 'Let's take turns driving' in Japanese.
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Say 'The train has stopped operating' in Japanese.
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Say 'I want to try driving a Tesla' in Japanese.
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Say 'Driving at night is scary' in Japanese.
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Say 'He drives very fast' in Japanese.
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Say 'I learned to drive last year' in Japanese.
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Say 'Check the operating status' in Japanese.
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Say 'Don't look away while driving' in Japanese.
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Say 'I'm used to driving now' in Japanese.
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Listen to the sentence: 'くるまをうんてんします。' What is the person doing?
Listen: 'うんてんめんきょをもっていますか。' What is the question about?
Listen: 'あんぜんうんてんをしましょう。' What is the advice?
Listen: 'でんしゃがうんてんを見合わせています。' What is happening to the train?
Listen: 'うんてんしゅさん、ここでとめてください。' Who is the person talking to?
Listen: 'じどううんてんのくるまです。' What kind of car is it?
Listen: 'よるのうんてんはつかれます。' Why is the person tired?
Listen: 'いんしゅうんてんはダメです。' What is prohibited?
Listen: 'うんてんしながらはなさないで。' What should you not do while driving?
Listen: 'うんてんさいかいしました。' What happened to the operation?
Listen: 'こうそくどうろをうんてんした。' Where did they drive?
Listen: 'うんてんがじょうずですね。' What is the compliment?
Listen: 'うんてんせきにすわって。' Where should the person sit?
Listen: 'あしたはぼくがうんてんするよ。' Who will drive tomorrow?
Listen: 'うんてんしきんがたりない。' What is lacking?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word <strong class='text-violet-600'>うんてんする</strong> is the standard way to say 'to drive' in Japanese, specifically for motorized vehicles like cars. Always use the particle <span class='font-bold text-red-500'>を (o)</span> for the vehicle, as in <span class='italic'>kuruma o unten suru</span>.
- A common Japanese verb meaning 'to drive' a car, bus, or train.
- Formed by the noun 'unten' and the verb 'suru', making it a Suru-verb.
- Used with the particle 'o' for the vehicle and 'de' for the location.
- Essential for discussing transportation, licenses, and safety in Japan.
Suru-Verb Conjugation
Remember that 'unten suru' follows all the rules of 'suru'. Practice the past, negative, and potential forms to be versatile.
License Terms
Learn 'unten menkyo' early. You'll need this term if you ever want to rent a car or convert your license in Japan.
Zero Tolerance
Japan has zero tolerance for 'inshu-unten'. Never use the word 'unten suru' lightly if alcohol is involved.
Offer to Drive
When traveling with friends, say 'Watashi ga unten shimasu yo' (I'll drive) to be helpful.
Example
私は毎日車を運転します。
Related Content
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.
