run

Compared meaning: to function, said of a machine (verb).

比较义项：（机器、装置等）运转、工作（动词）。

• go

  Informal and intransitive only; used mainly for simple mechanisms like clocks or watches, often to say whether they function at all, frequently in negative statements.

  口语化，且只能用作不及物动词；主要用于钟表等简单装置，常用来说它们是否能运转，尤其常见于否定句中。

  This watch hasn't gone properly since I dropped it.

  自从摔了一下之后，这块手表就走得不准了。

• work

  The most general and neutral word; intransitive, used for almost anything (machines, appliances, plans) to say it functions correctly or achieves its purpose.

  语气最中性、最通用的词；用作不及物动词，几乎可用于任何事物（机器、电器、计划），表示它正常运转或达到预期效果。

  The heater in our office hasn't worked since Monday.

  我们办公室的暖气从周一起就一直不能正常运转了。

• run 本词

  Can be transitive (run a machine) or intransitive (an engine runs), emphasizing continuous or ongoing operation, often with a person driving it.

  既可作及物动词（开动某机器），也可作不及物动词（引擎运转），强调持续或正在进行的运转状态，常带出操作者。

  She runs the sewing machine for hours without stopping.

  她连续几个小时不停地开动那台缝纫机。

• operate

  Usually transitive; a person operates complex or technical machinery, implying skill or training; more formal and technical than the other words.

  通常用作及物动词；指人操作复杂或技术性的机械，暗示需要技能或培训；比其他几个词更正式、更专业。

  Only certified technicians are allowed to operate this equipment.

  只有持证技术人员才被允许操作这台设备。

All four describe a machine working. Go is informal, for simple devices like clocks. Work is the general, neutral word. Run stresses continuous operation. Operate is formal, for a person running complex machinery. Not compared: go 'become', work 'a job', run 'running', operate 'surgery'.

这几个词在“（机器、装置等）运转、工作”这一义项上意思相近，但语气和用法有别：go 偏口语，常用于钟表等简单装置；work 最通用中性；run 强调持续运转，及物不及物皆可；operate 更正式，通常指人操控复杂机械。这里不比较 go 的“前往／变得”义、work 的“工作／职业”义、run 的“跑步”义，以及 operate 的“动手术”义。

Compared meaning: running, as an activity (noun).

比较义项：跑步（这一动作或活动）（名词）。

• run 本词

  Countable noun naming one instance of running (a run, an early-morning run); takes an article or possessive; not used for the activity in general.

  run 是可数名词，指一次具体的跑步（如 a run，晨跑），前面需要冠词或所有格；不能用来泛指跑步这项活动本身。

  She went for a run along the river before work.

  她上班前沿着河边跑了一会儿。

• running

  Uncountable noun naming the sport or activity of running in general (as exercise or a hobby); never takes 'a' or a plural form.

  running 是不可数名词，泛指跑步这项运动或活动本身（作为锻炼或爱好），前面不能加 a，也没有复数形式。

  Running is her favorite way to stay in shape.

  跑步是她保持身材最喜欢的方式。

Both words can mean running. Run is a countable noun for one specific instance of running, like 'a morning run'. Running is an uncountable noun for the sport or activity in general. Not compared: run used as a verb, meaning 'to run' or 'to manage/operate'.

这两个词都可表示“跑步”，但用法不同：run 是可数名词，指一次具体的跑步；running 是不可数名词，指跑步这项运动或活动本身。这里不比较 run 作为动词（跑）或“经营、运转”等其他意思。