Illustration: In a Japanese neighborhood alterations shop, a sewing machine runs as its operator guides a trouser hem beneath the presser foot. The needle is down through the cloth, the take-up mechanism is engaged, and a neat continuous seam emerges behind the foot.

JLPT N1suru verbLevel estimated by Bebop

作さ動どう

sadou

to operate, to function

Example sentences

  1. この自販機じはんき、作動さどうしないんですけど。

    This vending machine isn’t working.

    Tatoeba · CC BY 2.0 FR · Source

  2. このボタンを押おすと機械きかいが作動さどうします。

    If you press this button, the machine will start.

    Tatoeba · CC BY 2.0 FR · Source

  3. このコンピューターは電池でんちで作動さどうする。

    This computer runs on batteries.

    Tatoeba · CC BY 2.0 FR · Source

Kanji in 作動

  • 作make; productionOnサク・サKunつくる・つくり
  • 動move; motionOnドウKunうごく・うごかす

A word like this on every new tab

The Bebop Chrome extension shows one illustrated Japanese word each time you open a new tab in Chrome, with its reading, meaning, kanji and three example sentences. Choose any mix of levels from N5 to beyond N1. It’s free, with no account.

The Bebop new tab showing 音楽, music, over an illustration of a family playing music at home, with three example sentences
Add to Chrome Free on the Chrome Web Store
For Chrome on a computer. See it on the Chrome Web Store