Meaning and Usage
"運転" (うんてん) primarily means "driving" or "operation" of vehicles or machines. It is a noun often combined with the verb "する" to form "運転する," meaning "to drive" or "to operate."
Common Contexts
Most commonly, "運転" refers to driving a car or other vehicle. However, it can also refer to operating machinery or equipment, as in factories or technical settings.
Collocations and Patterns
- 運転する: to drive or operate
- 運転免許 (うんてんめんきょ): driver's license
- 運転中 (うんてんちゅう): while driving
- 安全運転 (あんぜんうんてん): safe driving
Register and Politeness
"運転" is a neutral term used in both casual and formal contexts. When combined with polite forms, it fits well in everyday conversation and official instructions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "運転" with "運ぶ" (to carry/transport). Remember "運転" specifically involves controlling or operating vehicles or machines, not just moving objects.