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B1 verb #3,000 most common 7 min read

运作

yunzuo Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 运作 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 运作 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '运作' (yùnzuò) often. It is a bit too formal. You might see it in very simple texts about how a big company like Apple works. Just remember that it means 'to work' or 'to run' but for big things like a company or a school, not for a person. For a person, we say '工作' (gōngzuò). For a machine like a phone, we say '运行' (yùnxíng). 运作 is for the 'system.' If you see this word, think of a big machine with many parts working together. It is pronounced 'yùn' (like 'cloud' in Chinese) and 'zuò' (like 'to do').

At the A2 level, you can start to recognize '运作' in news headlines or business articles. It usually refers to how an organization functions. You might see sentences like '公司运作正常' (The company is operating normally). Notice that it is often used with '正常' (zhèngcháng - normal) or '良好' (liánghǎo - good). You shouldn't use it for small daily tasks. For example, don't use it for cooking or doing homework. Use it when you are talking about something bigger, like a project you are doing with many classmates. It helps you sound more professional when describing group activities.

At the B1 level, '运作' is an important vocabulary word for describing processes and systems. You should be able to use it to explain how a project is going or how a market works. For example, '我们需要了解市场的运作' (We need to understand how the market operates). At this level, you start to see the difference between '运作' (systemic operation) and '运行' (physical/software running). '运作' implies coordination and management. You can also use it as a noun, such as '运作流程' (operational process). It is very common in office environments and professional emails.

At the B2 level, you should use '运作' with more nuance. You can use it to describe abstract concepts like '资本的运作' (the operation of capital) or '权力的运作' (the operation of power). You should also understand its use in describing strategic maneuvering, such as '在幕后运作' (operating behind the scenes). This level requires you to distinguish '运作' from synonyms like '经营' (management/operation for profit) and '操作' (manual operation). You might use it in a debate or a formal presentation to describe the efficiency of a government policy or a corporate structure.

At the C1 level, '运作' becomes a tool for deep analysis. You will encounter it in academic papers, high-level political commentary, and complex business strategies. You should be comfortable using it to describe the intricate interplay between different components of a system. For instance, '这种运作模式旨在最大化资源配置效率' (This operational model aims to maximize the efficiency of resource allocation). You will also notice it used in metaphorical ways to describe social dynamics or psychological processes. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the systemic and structural implications the word carries.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '运作.' you can use it to discuss the philosophical underpinnings of systemic functions. You understand the subtle connotations of '运作' when it implies manipulation or strategic orchestration in a political or social context. You can use it in highly formal speeches or literary critiques to describe the 'inner workings' of a narrative or a historical movement. Phrases like '宏观经济的运作规律' (the operational laws of macroeconomics) or '体制内运作的潜规则' (the unspoken rules of operation within the system) are part of your active vocabulary, used with precision and stylistic flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

运作 in 30 Seconds

运作 (yùnzuò) means 'to operate' or 'functioning' for systems and organizations.
It focuses on the internal mechanisms and coordination of complex entities like companies.
Commonly used in business, politics, and economics to describe systemic processes.
Different from 运行 (physical/software running) and 操作 (manual handling).

The Chinese word 运作 (yùnzuò) is a sophisticated term primarily used to describe the internal mechanisms, processes, and functional dynamics of complex entities. Unlike the simpler 'work' or 'run,' 运作 implies a level of systemic complexity. It is most frequently applied to organizations, large-scale projects, economic systems, and political machinations. When you use this word, you are focusing on the 'how'—the intricate gears that turn behind the scenes to produce a result. It encompasses both the physical actions and the strategic coordination required to keep a system functional.

Organizational Context: In business, 运作 refers to the day-to-day operations and the strategic management of resources. For example, '公司运作良好' (The company is operating well) suggests that all departments are coordinated and efficient.
Economic and Political Systems: Economists use this term to describe market mechanisms, such as '市场运作' (market operation). In politics, it can refer to the maneuvering and behind-the-scenes coordination required to pass a bill or win an election.
Technical and Mechanical Systems: While '运行' (yùnxíng) is more common for simple machines, 运作 is used for highly complex technical systems like a power grid or a global logistics network where human management and mechanical function intersect.

我们需要了解这个项目的底层运作逻辑。(We need to understand the underlying operational logic of this project.)

资本的运作往往是普通人看不见的。(The operation of capital is often invisible to ordinary people.)

Furthermore, 运作 can function as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it describes the act of managing or facilitating a process. As a noun, it refers to the operation itself. It is a staple of formal writing, news reports, and professional meetings. If you are discussing how a government department functions or how a complex software ecosystem maintains stability, 运作 is the precise word you need to sound professional and accurate.

这个慈善机构的运作非常透明。(The operation of this charity is very transparent.)

Using 运作 (yùnzuò) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It typically follows a subject that represents a complex entity—a company, a system, a market, or a project. In its most common form, it appears in the structure '[Subject] + 运作 + [Complement/Adverbial]' to describe the quality of the operation.

As a Verb with Adverbial Modifiers: You can describe how something operates by adding adverbs like '高效' (efficiently), '正常' (normally), or '秘密' (secretly). Example: '整个系统正在高效运作' (The entire system is operating efficiently).
As a Noun with Attributives: When used as a noun, it is often preceded by a possessive or descriptive phrase. Example: '商业运作的模式' (The model of business operations) or '由于运作不当' (Due to improper operation).
In Transitive Contexts (Less Common): While primarily intransitive in modern usage, it can sometimes be used to mean 'to manipulate' or 'to handle' a situation, often with an object like '项目' (project) or '资金' (funds). Example: '他在幕后运作这个项目' (He is operating/managing this project behind the scenes).

虽然面临困难，但工厂仍在维持基本运作。(Despite facing difficulties, the factory is still maintaining basic operations.)

我们需要优化公司的运作流程以节省开支。(We need to optimize the company's operational processes to save on expenses.)

In formal reports, you will often see it paired with results or statuses. For instance, '进入运作阶段' (entering the operational phase) or '运作成本' (operational costs). It implies a continuous, ongoing process rather than a one-time action. Use it when you want to emphasize the sustainability and functional health of a structure.

The word 运作 (yùnzuò) is a staple of the professional and intellectual landscape in the Chinese-speaking world. If you turn on a financial news channel like CCTV-2, you will hear it every few minutes. Analysts discuss how global supply chains are 运作 (operating) amidst geopolitical shifts. It is the language of the 'boardroom' and the 'think tank.'

In the Tech Industry: Product managers in Beijing or Shenzhen frequently talk about '产品运作' (product operation) or '后台运作' (back-end operations). It refers to the maintenance and scaling of digital services.
In Political Discourse: When discussing how a government body functions or how international organizations like the UN '运作,' this term conveys the formal procedures and internal rules that govern those bodies.
In Academic Settings: Sociologists and political scientists use 运作 to describe social mechanisms, such as '权力的运作' (the operation of power) or '社会资本的运作' (the operation of social capital).

专家们正在讨论欧元区的运作机制。(Experts are discussing the operational mechanisms of the Eurozone.)

这个App的商业运作模式非常成功。(The business operation model of this App is very successful.)

In daily life, while less common than in professional settings, you might hear it when people discuss 'manipulating' a situation to their advantage, though this carries a slightly more cynical or tactical tone. For instance, '他很擅长在各种关系中运作' (He is very good at maneuvering within various relationships). In this context, it implies a strategic, almost chess-like approach to social interactions.

For English speakers, the most common pitfall is overusing 运作 (yùnzuò) where simpler words like '工作' (work) or '开' (turn on/drive) are required. Because 运作 can translate to 'operate,' learners often apply it to individual actions or simple machines, which sounds unnatural in Chinese.

Confusing 运作 with 运行 (yùnxíng): '运行' usually refers to the physical motion of machines (like a train on tracks) or the execution of computer software. '运作' is for the organizational or systemic logic. If you say '我的电脑运作得很快,' it's slightly odd; '运行' is better for computers.
Confusing 运作 with 操作 (cāozuò): '操作' refers to the manual operation or 'handling' of a tool or machine by a person. You '操作' a forklift, but the company '运作' a logistics network. '运作' is systemic; '操作' is manual/tactical.
Misusing it for Personal Labor: Never say '我正在运作我的作业' (I am operating my homework). Use '做' (zuò) or '写' (xiě). 运作 is for systems, not individual tasks.

❌ 这台微波炉运作得很好。
✅ 这台微波炉很好用 / 运行正常。(This microwave works well/runs normally.)

❌ 我打算运作这个数学题。
✅ 我打算解这个数学题。(I plan to solve this math problem.)

To master 运作 (yùnzuò), you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of 'functioning.' Selecting the right word depends on whether you are talking about a physical machine, a human action, or a complex system.

运作 (yùnzuò) vs. 运行 (yùnxíng)

运作: Focuses on the management, coordination, and systemic logic of an organization or project. (Abstract/Organizational)

运行: Focuses on the continuous movement or execution of machines, software, or celestial bodies. (Physical/Technical)

运作 (yùnzuò) vs. 操作 (cāozuò)

运作: The system 'works' through internal mechanisms. (Passive/Systemic)

操作: A person 'handles' or 'manipulates' a tool or process. (Active/Individual)

运作 (yùnzuò) vs. 经营 (jīngyíng)

运作: The functional mechanism (how it turns). Focus on process.

经营: The business management (how it makes money). Focus on strategy and profit.

虽然他在经营公司，但实际的运作由他的团队负责。(Although he manages the company, the actual operation is handled by his team.)

Other alternatives include '工作' (general work), '活动' (activity/movement), and '管理' (management). However, none of these capture the specific 'gears-turning' sense of 运作. In professional contexts, sticking to 运作 when discussing organizational flow will make you sound much more native and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '运' contains the radical for 'walking/movement' (辶), while '作' contains the radical for 'person' (亻), suggesting that operation is a human-directed movement.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /jùn.tswɔ̂/

US /jùn.tswɔ̂/

Both syllables carry the fourth tone (falling), so both are stressed equally with a sharp downward pitch.

Rhymes With

工作 (gōngzuò) 制作 (zhìzuò) 协作 (xiézuò) 大作 (dàzuò) 创作 (chuàngzuò) 原作 (yuánzuò) 振作 (zhènzuò) 写作 (xiězuò)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'yun' like 'young'.
Using the second tone for 'yun' (confusing with cloud).
Pronouncing 'zuo' like 'zoo'.
Failing to make 'zuo' a falling tone.
Muddling the 'ts' sound in 'zuo' into a 'z' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and business; easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of formal structures.

Speaking 4/5

Easy to confuse with '运行' or '工作'.

Listening 3/5

Distinct pronunciation, but fourth tones can be tricky.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

工作运动运行公司系统

Learn Next

机制流程管理资本策略

Advanced

枢纽协调博弈体制范式

Grammar to Know

Resultative Complements

运作得很好 (Operates well).

Attributive '的'

公司的运作 (The company's operation).

Adverbial Modifiers

秘密地运作 (Secretly operate).

Aspect Marker '了'

运作了很久 (Operated for a long time).

Prepositional Phrases

在幕后运作 (Operate behind the scenes).

Examples by Level

这家公司运作很好。

This company operates very well.

运作 is used here for a company.

学校怎么运作？

How does the school operate?

Asking about the system of a school.

我们的团队在运作。

Our team is operating/working.

运作 refers to the group's function.

系统运作正常。

The system is operating normally.

Normal status of a system.

这个运作很简单。

This operation is very simple.

运作 used as a noun.

他们开始运作了。

They have started to operate.

Indicating the start of a process.

运作成本很高。

The operational cost is very high.

Common business phrase.

了解运作过程。

Understand the operational process.

Focusing on the 'how'.

这个项目正在秘密运作。

This project is operating in secret.

Using an adverb '秘密' to modify the verb.

我们需要改善运作方式。

We need to improve the way we operate.

运作方式 means 'way of operating'.

工厂运作了二十年。

The factory has operated for twenty years.

Using the aspect marker '了' for duration.

商业运作需要钱。

Business operations need money.

运作 as a noun in a general sense.

这个运作流程太慢了。

This operational process is too slow.

运作流程 refers to a workflow.

他在公司负责运作。

He is in charge of operations at the company.

运作 as the object of '负责' (responsible for).

市场运作不灵了。

The market operation is no longer effective.

Describing a failure in the system.

看看它是怎么运作的。

Look at how it operates.

The '是...的' construction for emphasis.

公司运作的效率直接影响利润。

The efficiency of the company's operation directly affects profits.

运作 used as a noun modified by a possessive.

这个NGO的运作主要依靠志愿者。

The operation of this NGO mainly relies on volunteers.

Describing the dependency of a system.

由于运作不当，项目失败了。

Due to improper operation, the project failed.

运作不当 is a common phrase for mismanagement.

互联网改变了媒体的运作逻辑。

The internet has changed the operational logic of the media.

运作逻辑 refers to the underlying principles.

我们需要一个透明的运作机制。

We need a transparent operational mechanism.

运作机制 is a formal term for 'mechanism'.

资本在背后不断运作。

Capital is constantly operating behind the scenes.

Suggests strategic or hidden movement.

运作一个大型活动很辛苦。

Operating a large-scale event is very hard work.

运作 used as a transitive verb.

该系统的运作原理非常复杂。

The operating principle of the system is very complex.

运作原理 means 'operating principle'.

政府正在运作一项新的经济政策。

The government is operating/implementing a new economic policy.

Implies the coordination required for policy.

这种商业运作模式具有很强的竞争力。

This business operation model is highly competitive.

Referring to a strategic model.

他擅长运作各类社交关系。

He is good at maneuvering various social relationships.

Metaphorical use for social strategy.

我们必须保证核心业务的持续运作。

We must ensure the continuous operation of our core business.

Focusing on sustainability.

通过一系列的资本运作，他控制了公司。

Through a series of capital operations, he took control of the company.

资本运作 is a specific financial term.

该组织的运作完全符合法律规定。

The organization's operation fully complies with legal regulations.

Formal context regarding compliance.

我们需要重新审视整个运作流程。

We need to re-examine the entire operational process.

Formal verb '审视' paired with '运作'.

新法案的运作可能会遇到阻力。

The operation/implementation of the new bill might face resistance.

Predicting future systemic friction.

权力的运作往往隐藏在正式制度之外。

The operation of power is often hidden outside formal institutions.

Abstract academic usage.

该算法模拟了神经元在人脑中的运作方式。

The algorithm simulates the way neurons operate in the human brain.

Scientific/Technical context.

全球供应链的运作正面临前所未有的挑战。

The operation of the global supply chain is facing unprecedented challenges.

Macro-level systemic description.

通过精妙的政治运作，她成功化解了危机。

Through subtle political maneuvering, she successfully defused the crisis.

运作 implies strategic skill here.

我们需要深入剖析其市场运作的底层逻辑。

We need to deeply analyze the underlying logic of its market operations.

Formal analytical language.

这种运作体制已经不再适应时代的发展。

This operational system is no longer adapted to the development of the times.

Discussing systemic obsolescence.

非政府组织在国际事务中的运作日益频繁。

The operation of NGOs in international affairs is becoming increasingly frequent.

Institutional frequency.

资本运作的本质是资源的跨时空配置。

The essence of capital operation is the cross-temporal allocation of resources.

Philosophical/Economic definition.

官僚体系的自我运作逻辑有时会背离其初衷。

The self-operating logic of a bureaucracy sometimes deviates from its original intent.

Highly abstract systemic critique.

这部小说通过多线叙事展现了社会底层的运作实态。

The novel reveals the operational reality of the lower social strata through multi-line narration.

Literary analysis usage.

在资本全球化的语境下，主权国家的运作空间受到了挤压。

In the context of capital globalization, the operational space of sovereign states has been squeezed.

Geopolitical theory context.

我们需要探讨意识形态在社会动员中的运作机制。

We need to explore the operational mechanisms of ideology in social mobilization.

Sociological research language.

这种运作方式潜移默化地影响了大众的消费习惯。

This mode of operation subtly influenced the consumption habits of the public.

Discussing subtle systemic influence.

法律的运作不仅依赖于条文，更依赖于其社会实践。

The operation of law depends not only on statutes but even more on its social practice.

Legal philosophy.

他在政坛数十年的运作，积累了深厚的人脉资源。

His decades of maneuvering in politics accumulated deep networking resources.

Referring to a lifetime of strategic action.

宇宙的运作规律超越了人类目前的认知边界。

The operational laws of the universe transcend the current boundaries of human cognition.

Metaphysical/Scientific usage.

Synonyms

运行操作经营实施

Antonyms

停滞瘫痪

Common Collocations

正常运作

高效运作

商业运作

资本运作

幕后运作

运作成本

运作流程

运作机制

实际运作

秘密运作

Common Phrases

进入运作

— To enter the operational phase.

新工厂下个月进入运作。

维持运作

— To maintain operations.

我们需要资金维持运作。

运作顺畅

— Operating smoothly.

整个流程运作顺畅。

独立运作

— To operate independently.

这两个部门独立运作。

协调运作

— To operate in coordination.

各部门需要协调运作。

运作自如

— To operate with ease.

他已经运作自如了。

运作规律

— The law of operation.

掌握市场运作规律。

非法运作

— Illegal operation.

严厉打击非法运作。

联合运作

— Joint operation.

两家公司联合运作此项目。

运作空间

— Room for maneuvering.

我们还有很大的运作空间。

Often Confused With

运作 vs 运动

Means sports or movement; 运作 is systemic operation.

运作 vs 运行

Means running (machines/software); 运作 is organizational.

运作 vs 运用

Means to apply or use a skill; 运作 is to operate a system.

Idioms & Expressions

"暗箱操作"

— Behind-the-scenes manipulation (similar to negative 运作).

这次招标存在暗箱操作。

Informal/Negative

"运筹帷幄"

— To devise strategies in a command tent (high-level 运作).

他运筹帷幄，决胜千里。

Literary

"各司其职"

— Everyone does their job (essential for 运作).

只要大家各司其职，运作就没问题。

Formal

"环环相扣"

— Closely linked (describing a tight 运作).

这个运作流程环环相扣。

Descriptive

"井然有序"

— In perfect order (describing good 运作).

工厂的运作井然有序。

Formal

"游刃有余"

— Doing something with ease and skill.

他在商业运作中游刃有余。

Idiomatic

"顺理成章"

— Logical and natural (describing smooth 运作).

按照这个逻辑，运作是顺理成章的。

Formal

"按部就班"

— Follow the prescribed order.

我们只需按部就班地运作即可。

Neutral

"步调一致"

— In step/coordinated.

团队必须步调一致才能高效运作。

Formal

"息息相关"

— Closely related.

运作效率与每个人息息相关。

General

Easily Confused

运作 vs 运行

Both translate to 'run' or 'operate'.

运行 is for physical motion or computer code; 运作 is for organizational systems.

火车在轨道上运行。/ 公司在市场中运作。

运作 vs 操作

Both relate to using something.

操作 is a person using a tool; 运作 is a system functioning.

他操作电脑。/ 银行系统正在运作。

运作 vs 经营

Both used in business.

经营 focuses on profit and strategy; 运作 focuses on functional process.

他经营这家店。/ 店铺的日常运作很忙。

运作 vs 工作

Both mean 'work'.

工作 is for people's labor; 运作 is for a system's function.

我在银行工作。/ 银行的运作很复杂。

运作 vs 办理

Both involve handling tasks.

办理 is for specific procedures (like a visa); 运作 is for a continuous system.

办理签证。/ 运作一个项目。

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + 运作 + [Adverb].

公司运作正常。

[Subject] + 的 + 运作 + [Verb]...

系统的运作需要电力。

负责 + [Noun] + 的运作.

他负责项目的运作。

由于 + [Noun] + 运作不当...

由于市场运作不当，价格上涨了。

在 + [Context] + 中运作.

在复杂的环境中运作。

[Abstract Noun] + 的运作机制.

权力的运作机制很复杂。

通过 + [Method] + 进行运作.

通过资本手段进行运作。

[Subject] + 的自我运作逻辑.

官僚体系的自我运作逻辑。

Word Family

Nouns

运作人

运作费

运作方

Verbs

运作

Adjectives

运作性的

运动

运行

运输

运用

运气

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional and media contexts.

Common Mistakes

我的电脑运作得很慢。 → 我的电脑运行得很慢。
Computers and software 'run' (运行), they don't 'operate' in the systemic sense of 运作.
他在运作他的作业。 → 他在做他的作业。
Homework is a personal task, not a systemic operation.
我喜欢运作。 → 我喜欢运动。
Confusing 'operation' with 'sports/exercise'.
这台洗衣机运作正常。 → 这台洗衣机运行正常。
Simple household appliances 'run' (运行).
他负责运作他的孩子。 → 他负责照顾他的孩子。
You don't 'operate' people; you take care of them (照顾).

Tips

Verb-Noun Flexibility

Remember that 运作 can be both a verb and a noun. This makes it very versatile in professional writing.

Professionalism

Using 运作 instead of simple words like 开 or 做 immediately elevates your Chinese to a B1/B2 professional level.

Systemic Focus

Always ask yourself: Is this a system with many parts? If yes, 运作 is likely the correct word.

Strategic Connotation

Be aware that in political contexts, 运作 often implies clever or strategic maneuvering.

News Keywords

When you hear 运作 in the news, pay attention to the subject. It's usually '市场' (market), '政府' (government), or '公司' (company).

Tone Accuracy

Practice the double fourth tone (falling-falling). It should sound firm and decisive.

Common Pairs

Memorize '正常运作' as a set phrase. You will hear it constantly.

Flowcharts

If you are describing a flowchart in Chinese, 运作 is the best word to describe the movement through the chart.

运作 vs 运行

Running a program? 运行. Running a department? 运作.

Not for People

Don't say '我运作得很累'. Say '我工作得很累'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Yun' as 'Running' (like a cloud moves) and 'Zuo' as 'Doing'. You are 'Doing the Running' of a big company.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant clock with many gears. Each gear is a department, and the whole clock turning is the '运作'.

Word Web

公司系统机制流程资本项目正常高效

Challenge

Try to describe how your favorite app works using the word 运作 three times in one paragraph.

Word Origin

The word is composed of '运' (yùn), meaning to transport, move, or use, and '作' (zuò), meaning to do, make, or act. Together, they form the concept of 'making things move' or 'managing the movement.'

Original meaning: In ancient texts, '运' referred to the movement of the stars or the transport of goods, while '作' referred to labor. The modern sense of systemic operation emerged in the 20th century.

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it for personal relationships; it can imply you are 'using' people for a goal.

English speakers use 'operations' similarly, but '运作' can sound more strategic or even slightly manipulative in social contexts.

The term '资本运作' (Capital Operation) is a common buzzword in Chinese financial dramas. Government reports often use '体制运作' (Systemic Operation). Sun Tzu's 'Art of War' concepts are often described as '运作' in modern interpretations.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Meeting

优化运作
运作成本
运作流程
核心运作

News Report

市场运作
资本运作
正常运作
秘密运作

Engineering

运作原理
系统运作
运作状态
机械运作

Politics

幕后运作
权力运作
体制运作
运作空间

Daily Life

运作良好
运作不灵
如何运作
开始运作

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这家公司的运作模式怎么样？"

"你了解这个项目的底层运作逻辑吗？"

"我们需要如何优化我们的团队运作？"

"你认为资本运作对社会有什么影响？"

"这个新系统的运作效率高吗？"

Journal Prompts

描述一下你所在部门的日常运作流程。

你认为一个成功的企业，其核心运作秘诀是什么？

写一写你曾经参与过的一个大型项目是如何运作的。

探讨一下社交媒体是如何在现代社会运作并影响我们的。

如果由你来负责一个国家的运作，你首先会改变什么？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is better to use 运行 (yùnxíng) for computer software or hardware. 运作 is usually for human-managed systems like a company.

No. It can be modified by '不当' (improper) or '秘密' (secret). In some contexts, it can imply shady behind-the-scenes manipulation.

管理 (guǎnlǐ) is the act of managing people or things. 运作 is the state of the system actually functioning. A manager 'manages' so that the system 'operates'.

Yes, it is very common as a noun, e.g., '运作成本' (operational cost) or '运作流程' (operational process).

No, that is 运动 (yùndòng). They sound similar but have very different meanings.

Use 运作 when you want to sound more formal or when you are talking about a complex process with many parts, not a single action.

Yes, it is a standard financial term for 'capital operation' or financial maneuvering.

It's better to say '操作机器' (operate a machine manually) or '机器在运行' (the machine is running).

You can say '运作顺畅' (yùnzuò shùnchàng).

Rarely. It might be used for the 'operation' of a sports club, but not for the game itself.