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maniobra

mah-nyoh-brah/maˈnjo.βɾa/

“maniobra” means “maneuver” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

maneuver

Also: operation, handling
NounfB1
A small blue car carefully steering through a series of bright orange traffic cones on a gray road.

📝 In Action

El conductor hizo una maniobra brusca para evitar el accidente.

B1

The driver made a sudden maneuver to avoid the accident.

El barco realizó una maniobra de atraque perfecta.

B2

The ship performed a perfect docking maneuver.

Es importante conocer la maniobra de Heimlich en caso de emergencia.

B2

It is important to know the Heimlich maneuver in case of an emergency.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • inmovilidad (immobility)

Common Collocations

  • maniobra de estacionamiento – parking maneuver
  • maniobra evasiva – evasive maneuver
  • margen de maniobra – room for maneuver / wiggle room

tactic

Also: ploy, scheme
NounfB2
A wooden chess board with a single hand moving a white knight to trap a black king.

📝 In Action

Fue una maniobra política para ganar más votos.

B2

It was a political tactic to win more votes.

La empresa realizó una maniobra legal para evitar la multa.

C1

The company performed a legal ploy to avoid the fine.

No te dejes engañar por su maniobra de distracción.

B2

Don't be fooled by their distraction tactic.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • táctica (tactic)
  • estratagema (stratagem/trick)
  • treta (trick/ruse)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • maniobra de distracción – distraction tactic
  • maniobra publicitaria – publicity stunt

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "maniobra" in Spanish:

handling→maneuver→operation→ploy→scheme→tactic→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: maniobra

Question 1 of 3

If you are parallel parking your car in a tight spot, you are performing a...

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
maniobrar(to maneuver/operate) — Verb
maniobrabilidad(maneuverability) — Noun
maniobrista(operator/maneuverer) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Spanish words 'mano' (hand) and 'obra' (work). It comes from the idea of 'hand-work' or working with one's hands. It has roots in the Latin 'manus' (hand) and 'opera' (work).

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: manœuvreEnglish: maneuverItalian: manovra

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'maniobra' always a bad thing?

Not at all! While it can mean a 'ploy' or 'scheme' in politics, it is a neutral technical term for movements in driving, flying, and medicine.

What is the difference between 'maniobra' and 'movimiento'?

'Movimiento' is a general word for any movement. 'Maniobra' specifically implies a controlled, purposeful, or complex series of movements.

Can I use 'maniobra' for a surgery?

Yes, surgeons and doctors use 'maniobra' to describe specific physical techniques they perform with their hands or instruments during a procedure.