To operate or handle a machine, tool, or vehicle; to control its movements.
彼はクレーンを巧みに操る。
He operates the crane skillfully.
雪道では車を慎重に操る必要がある。
On snowy roads you need to handle the car carefully.
ドローンの操作は慣れないと上手く操れない。
You can't control a drone well unless you get used to it.
To have a good command of something (a language, an instrument, etc.); to handle skillfully.
彼女は日本語を流暢に操る。
She controls Japanese fluently (she speaks Japanese fluently).
あのピアニストは複雑な曲を自在に操る。
That pianist plays complex pieces with ease.
表現を巧みに操ることで、作品に深みが出る。
Skillful handling of expression adds depth to a work.
To work a puppet; to pull the strings of a puppet or similar object.
祭りで人形を巧みに操る人形遣いがいた。
At the festival there was a puppeteer who skillfully manipulated puppets.
舞台で一体の人形を三人で操ることもある。
Sometimes three people operate a single puppet on stage.
To manipulate people, public opinion, etc.; to pull the strings or control from behind the scenes (often with negative connotation).
黒幕が政治家を裏で操っていたことが明らかになった。
It became clear that the mastermind was manipulating politicians behind the scenes.
彼は世論を巧みに操って支持を集めた。
He skillfully manipulated public opinion and gathered support.
詐欺師に操られないように注意しなさい。
Be careful not to be manipulated by con artists.