操(あやつ)るto manipulate, to operate, to handle, to operate (e.g. a machine), to steer (a ship), to have a good command of (a language), to be fluent in, to operate a puppet, to pull the strings of a puppet, to mastermind, to pull the strings, to control from the shadows, to play (a musical instrument)

我々(われわれ)はマスコミに操(あやつ)られている。

We are being manipulated by the mass media.

あのピアニストはピアノを自由(じゆう)に操(あやつ)る。

That pianist plays the piano as they like.

腹話術(ふくわじゅつ)師(し)が人形(にんぎょう)を操(あやつ)りながら喋(しゃべ)っています。

The ventriloquist is talking while operating the puppet.

あんなに小(ちい)さな子(こ)が三(さん)ヶ国(かこく)語(ご)を自由(じゆう)に操(あやつ)れるなんてあり得(え)ない！

It's unbelievable that such a small child can fluently speak three languages!

長距離(ちょうきょり)の運転(うんてん)を、ハンドルを巧(たく)みに操(あやつ)る事(こと)ができる夫(おっと)に任(まか)せる事(こと)にしました。

I decided to leave the long-distance driving to my husband who can skillfully handle the steering wheel.