Game Lingo – 操作
This is a term that is translated consistently in nearly every video game. 操作(そうさ) means “controls.” It’s a combination of 操る(あやつる) and 作る(つくる). 操る means “to control a device/vehicle/something.” It can be translated flexibly as “pilot,” “drive,” and “operate.” 操作 can be translated this way, too, but only when it refers to an in-game character operating/controlling/piloting something. In most cases, 操作 refers to the actual human player “controlling” the video game with an input device. 操作方法(ほうほう) is a common section of video game manuals and almost without exception should be translated as “Controls.”
I just learned 操る in my JLPT1 book the other day. This will help me remember it. Thanks! I like this new topic.
Comment by Thomas (nihonhacks.com) — April 1, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
Glad to be of service. Good luck with the JLPT! Has nihonhacks shut down?
Comment by Daniel — April 1, 2009 @ 7:51 pm
Thanks!
Nihonhacks is still around, it just got lost in the shuffle of hobby priorities a little bit.
Comment by Thomas (nihonhacks.com) — April 2, 2009 @ 5:02 pm