B2 verb Formal|informal|neutral 1 min read

操控

caokong /tsʰaʊ̯⁵⁵ tsʰʊŋ⁵¹/

“操控” denotes active, often skillful, control or manipulation, applicable to both objects and abstract concepts, sometimes carrying a negative connotation.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Skillfully control or operate machines and devices.
  • Actively influence or manipulate situations or people.
  • Often implies deliberate, sometimes negative, management.

Overview

“操控”是一个动词,核心含义是施加控制或影响,使某物或某事按照预设的轨迹或意图发展。它强调行为者对对象的主动性和熟练的掌握。这种控制可以是物理层面的,如操作机器;也可以是抽象层面的,如影响局势或人心。根据语境,其含义可以从中性(如熟练操作)到负面(如不正当的操纵)转变。

“操控”常以“S + 操控 + O”的形式出现,其中S是行为主体,O是受控对象。受控对象可以是具体的实体,如“操控无人机”、“操控机器人”,此时强调的是操作的技巧和精准性。受控对象也可以是抽象的概念,如“操控局面”、“操控舆论”、“操控市场”、“操控人心”,此时则更侧重于影响、引导或甚至是不正当的干预。在这些抽象语境中,“操控”往往带有较强的负面色彩,暗示着幕后运作、不公平或不道德的行为。它通常不用于自我情绪或行为的控制,而更多地指向对外部事物的控制或影响。

“操控”在以下几种常见语境中使用:

  • 科技与机械领域:指熟练地操作各种设备、工具或系统,如“操控复杂的仪器”、“操控飞行器”、“操控游戏角色”。在这种语境下,它通常是中性的,强调技术能力。
  • 局势与事件管理:指对某个事件、局面或过程进行引导和控制,使其朝着特定方向发展,如“操控比赛结果”、“操控谈判进程”。这里可能带有策略性,也可能暗示不公。
  • 社会与人际关系:指通过各种手段影响、引导或摆布他人的思想、情感或行为,以及影响公众舆论,如“操控民意”、“操控人心”、“操控选举”。在这种语境下,“操控”几乎总是带有强烈的负面批判色彩,因为它涉及剥夺他人的自主性或利用他人。
  • 经济与金融领域:指通过不正当手段干预市场运作,影响价格或供需关系,以获取私利,如“操控股市”、“操控商品价格”。这同样是负面语境。
  • 控制 (kòngzhì):范围最广,含义最中性。它可以指一般的管理、限制、约束或指挥,如“控制成本”、“控制情绪”、“控制人口增长”。“控制”可以指对自身或外部事物的管理,不一定需要高超的技巧,也不一定带有负面含义。而“操控”则更强调主动、熟练地去驾驭或影响,尤其当它用于人或抽象概念时,常暗示着更深层次、有时是不正当的干预。
  • 操纵 (cāozòng):与“操控”非常接近,在许多语境下可以互换使用,尤其是在负面含义上。然而,“操纵”往往比“操控”带有更强的、更一贯的负面色彩,更明确地指向不公正、不道德或秘密的干预,尤其是在指对人、市场、舆论的摆布时。例如,“操纵选举”比“操控选举”的负面意味更浓。当指操作机器时,“操控”可以更中性,而“操纵”则较少用于此。
  • 操作 (cāozuò):主要指按照一定的程序或方法进行具体的动作,以实现某种目的,如“操作电脑”、“操作手术”。它侧重于执行、实践层面,强调动作的步骤和规范,不包含“控制局面”或“影响人心”的深层含义,也没有“操控”可能带有的负面操纵意味。它更偏向于技术性的、物理性的执行。

Examples

1

他很擅长操控无人机,可以完成各种高难度动作。

everyday

He's very good at controlling drones and can perform various difficult maneuvers.

2

某些金融机构试图操控市场价格,以获取不正当利益。

formal

Some financial institutions attempted to manipulate market prices to gain illicit profits.

3

别让他操控你的想法,要有自己的主见。

informal

Don't let him manipulate your thoughts; have your own opinions.

4

这项研究旨在探讨如何通过算法操控大数据,以优化用户体验。

academic

This research aims to explore how to manipulate big data through algorithms to optimize user experience.

Common Collocations

操控机器 operate a machine
操控局面 control a situation
操控人心 manipulate people's minds/hearts
操控舆论 manipulate public opinion
操控市场 manipulate the market

Common Phrases

操控全局

to control the overall situation

远程操控

remote control/operation

操控方向

to steer the direction, to control the direction

Often Confused With

操控 vs 控制 (kòngzhì)

“控制” is broader and more neutral, meaning to manage, limit, or command. “操控” implies a more active, often skillful or manipulative, engagement, usually with a specific goal in mind, and can carry a negative nuance when referring to people or situations.

操控 vs 操纵 (cāozòng)

“操纵” is very similar and often interchangeable with “操控,” especially when referring to negative manipulation. However, “操纵” tends to have a stronger, more consistent negative connotation of unfair or dishonest manipulation, while “操控” can be neutral when simply operating machinery.

操控 vs 操作 (cāozuò)

“操作” primarily means to operate a machine or perform a procedure, focusing on the technical execution. It does not carry the sense of controlling a situation or manipulating people, which “操控” does. “操作” is about the 'how-to', while “操控” is about the 'who-controls-what'.

Grammar Patterns

S + 操控 + O (e.g., 他操控机器。) 被 + S + 操控 (e.g., 市场被少数人操控。) S + 善于/擅长 + 操控 + O (e.g., 他善于操控人心。)

How to Use It

Usage Notes

“操控” can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the object of control. When referring to operating machinery, it's neutral. When implying manipulation of people or situations, it often carries a more serious or critical tone, suitable for formal discussions about ethics or power dynamics.


Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using “操控” when a simpler, more neutral “操作” (operate) is sufficient for routine machine handling without implying skill or deep control. Another error is using “操控” for self-control, where “控制” (e.g., 控制情绪 - control emotions) is more appropriate. “操控” usually implies influencing external entities, and overlooking its negative connotation when discussing human interactions can lead to miscommunication, as it often suggests unfair influence.

Tips

💡

Mastering Technical Control

“操控” is frequently used for operating technical equipment or machinery, emphasizing the skill involved in handling complex systems or devices, like drones or robots.

⚠️

Beware of Negative Connotations

When applied to people, public opinion, or markets, “操控” often implies unfair, unethical, or dishonest manipulation. Use it carefully in such contexts to avoid unintended negative implications.

🌍

Subtle Influence in Society

In Chinese culture, understanding who “操控” a situation can be crucial, as indirect influence and power dynamics are often at play in social, business, and political spheres. It often highlights agency and strategic action.

Word Origin

“操控” is a compound word formed from “操” (cāo), meaning to hold, grasp, or operate, and “控” (kòng), meaning to control or manage. Together, they emphasize the active, often skillful, act of holding and controlling something or someone, or a situation.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, the concept of “操控” can touch upon themes of power dynamics, influence, and sometimes subtle manipulation, which are often discussed in historical narratives, political discourse, and interpersonal relationships. Understanding who “操控” a situation can reveal underlying social structures and power plays, which are significant in a collectivist society.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Car Owner' (cāocòng sounds a bit like 'car-ong') who 'controls' their vehicle with skill. But remember, a 'Car Owner' can also 'manipulate' someone into buying their car through clever tactics.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“控制”范围更广,可以指一般的管理、限制或指挥,含义较中性。而“操控”则强调主动、熟练地掌控,尤其当它指对人或局势的幕后影响时,通常带有负面色彩。例如,你可以“控制”自己的情绪,但不能“操控”自己的情绪。

“操控”常见于三个主要语境:一是技术和机械操作,如“操控无人机”;二是局势或事件的掌控,如“操控比赛”;三是对人、舆论或市场的负面影响,如“操控人心”或“操控市场”。

是的,当它用于指对人、思想、市场或局势进行不公正或不道德的干预时,通常带有负面含义,表示通过不正当手段进行影响或摆布。例如,“操控舆论”就带有强烈的贬义。

在日常对话中,你可以说“他很会操控电脑”表示熟练操作,这是中性用法。但如果说“别让他操控你的想法”,则带有警告和负面含义,表示不要让别人不公正地影响你。

Test Yourself

fill blank

飞行员熟练地______着飞机,使其平稳降落。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 操控

“操控”在这里强调飞行员熟练地掌控飞机,使其按照意图行动,比“控制”更侧重于技巧性和主动性,也比“操作”更强调整体的掌控力。

multiple choice

a) 他善于操控舆论,影响大众的看法。 b) 孩子们在公园里操控着遥控汽车玩耍。 c) 这台机器很难操控,需要专业人士来维修。 d) 我操控我的情绪,不让它影响我的判断。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: d

“操控”通常指对外部事物或他人进行影响和控制,而对自己情绪的管理更常用“控制”或“管理”,而非“操控”。

sentence building

["市场", "被", "的", "少数人", "操控"]

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 市场被少数人操控。

这是一个被动语态的句子,表示市场受到了少数人的不正当影响。正确的语序是“主语 + 被 + 施动者 + 动词”。

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