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táctico

TAK-tee-koh/ˈtaktiko/

“táctico” means “tactical” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

tactical

Also: strategic
A bird's-eye view of a wooden table with several small wooden blocks arranged in a specific, purposeful pattern.

📝 In Action

El equipo de fútbol tiene un gran plan táctico.

A2

The soccer team has a great tactical plan.

Fue un error táctico admitir eso tan pronto.

B1

It was a tactical error to admit that so soon.

Necesitamos un cambio táctico para ganar el mercado.

B2

We need a tactical change to win the market.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • calculado (calculated)
  • estratégico (strategic)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • error táctico – tactical error
  • movimiento táctico – tactical move
  • dibujo táctico – tactical formation (in sports)

tactician

Also: strategist
NounmB2
A person in a simple outfit standing over a large map on a table, pointing at a specific spot with a focused expression.

📝 In Action

El general es un táctico brillante.

B1

The general is a brilliant tactician.

Como táctico, siempre va dos pasos por delante.

B2

As a tactician, he is always two steps ahead.

Contrataron a un táctico para la campaña electoral.

C1

They hired a strategist for the electoral campaign.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • estratega (strategist)
  • planificador (planner)

Common Collocations

  • táctico brillante – brilliant tactician

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "táctico" in Spanish:

strategist→tactician→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: táctico

Question 1 of 3

If a basketball coach changes the players' positions to win, what kind of change is it?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
táctica(tactic / strategy) — Noun
tácticamente(tactically) — Adverb
tacticismo(preoccupation with tactics) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
prácticodidácticogaláctico
📚 Etymology▼

From the Greek word 'taktikos', which means 'fit for arranging' or 'related to ordering'. It passed through Latin as 'tacticus' before reaching Spanish.

First recorded: 17th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: tacticalFrench: tactiquePortuguese: táctico

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'táctico' and 'estratégico'?

Generally, 'táctico' refers to small-scale, immediate actions (how to win a battle), while 'estratégico' refers to the big-picture, long-term plan (how to win the war).

Can 'táctico' mean 'tactful'?

No. This is a 'false friend'. If you want to say someone is tactful (polite/considerate), use 'diplomático' or 'discreto'.

Is 'táctico' only used in the military?

Not at all! While it has military roots, it is used every day in sports (especially soccer) and business to describe clever planning.