Meanings of 操
By ear
Play it, then pick what 操 means.
About 操
Podcast: 操
Podcast: 操
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 操
操 (cāo) vs 管 (guǎn) — use 操 when emphasizing the act of managing or controlling a specific task, while 管 is more about overseeing or governing in a broader sense.
Be careful not to confuse 操 (cāo) with the similar sounding 肏 (cào), which has a vulgar connotation. This word is more formal and often used in professional or instructional contexts. Common collocations include 操作 (cāozuò - to operate) and 操练 (cāoliàn - to drill).
While 操 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with words related to management and operation, like 操作 (cāozuò) and 处理 (chǔlǐ - to handle). Focus on its application in different contexts to build a practical understanding.
Learners often confuse 操 (cāo) with 肏 (cào) due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我会肏这个软件' (I can cào this software) is incorrect; the correct phrase should be '我会操这个软件' (I can cāo this software).
Pronunciation of 操
Drill the tone of 操 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 操 to You
Let me explain 操 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 操 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 操?
Learning Lab
Knowing 操 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 操
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 喿 represents the sound. Simplified form of 撡.
hand
Origin
操 = 扌 + 喿. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 操
Parts
Which of these is part of 操?
How to say to conduct, to manage, to run in Chinese
“to conduct, to manage, to run” in Chinese is操
The character 操 (cāo) primarily means 'to conduct' or 'to manage.' It is commonly used in contexts involving control, operation, or handling of tasks and responsibilities. In certain contexts, it can also refer to skills in speaking a language or practicing a drill.
When to use 操
Be careful not to confuse 操 (cāo) with the similar sounding 肏 (cào), which has a vulgar connotation. This word is more formal and often used in professional or instructional contexts. Common collocations include 操作 (cāozuò - to operate) and 操练 (cāoliàn - to drill).
操 or something close to it
操 (cāo) vs 管 (guǎn) — use 操 when emphasizing the act of managing or controlling a specific task, while 管 is more about overseeing or governing in a broader sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 操 (cāo) with 肏 (cào) due to their similar pronunciation. For example, saying '我会肏这个软件' (I can cào this software) is incorrect; the correct phrase should be '我会操这个软件' (I can cāo this software).
Write 操
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 操 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 操
操 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 11 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我今天本想去____场踢足球，不料外面下起雨来。
I originally planned to go play football on the field today, but unexpectedly it started raining.
Example Sentences for 操 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 操?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 操
Words with 操
What does 操作 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 操
Common phrases include '操纵' (cāozòng), meaning to manipulate or control, and '操作' (cāozuò), which means to operate or handle. These phrases can be useful in both everyday conversations and professional contexts where management or operation is discussed.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 操?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.