Inklingo

How to Say "maneuver" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “maneuver” is “maniobra” — use this for a physical movement, especially of a vehicle, that requires skill or precision, or a sudden, often risky, physical action.

English → Spanish

maniobra

mah-nyoh-brahmaˈnjo.βɾa

nounB1general
Use this for a physical movement, especially of a vehicle, that requires skill or precision, or a sudden, often risky, physical action.
A small blue car carefully steering through a series of bright orange traffic cones on a gray road.

Examples

El conductor hizo una maniobra brusca para evitar el accidente.

The driver made a sudden maneuver to avoid the accident.

El barco realizó una maniobra de atraque perfecta.

The ship performed a perfect docking maneuver.

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

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

Always Feminine

Even though it involves 'obra' (work), 'maniobra' is always a feminine noun. You must use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Describing the Move

Adjectives like 'peligrosa' (dangerous) or 'rápida' (fast) usually follow the word 'maniobra' to describe what kind of move was made.

Gender Error

Mistake: “El maniobra fue difícil.”

Correction: La maniobra fue difícil. (Nouns ending in 'a' are usually feminine in Spanish).

táctica

nounB1general
This refers to a clever or strategic move, often in a game, sport, or competition, designed to achieve a specific goal.

Examples

El entrenador cambió la táctica en el segundo tiempo.

The coach changed the tactic in the second half.

jugada

hoo-GAH-dahxuˈɣaða

nounB1general
Use this for a calculated or strategic action, often with a degree of risk or cleverness, particularly in business or politics.
A stylized red and yellow biplane banking sharply to the left against a bright blue sky, illustrating a calculated strategic action.

Examples

La compra de la empresa fue una jugada financiera muy arriesgada.

The purchase of the company was a very risky financial maneuver.

No sé si fue suerte o si fue una jugada maestra de su parte.

I don't know if it was luck or if it was a master stroke (masterful move) on his part.

Descubrieron la jugada política que planeaban los opositores.

They discovered the political scheme the opponents were planning.

Figurative Use

In this context, 'jugada' means that someone is 'playing' a strategic role in real life, treating the situation like a game of strategy.

operación

nounB2military, formal
This specifically applies to a planned military action or a complex, organized undertaking, often by a group or authority.

Examples

La policía preparó una operación secreta para atrapar al ladrón.

The police prepared a secret operation to catch the thief.

evolución

nounC1formal, military
This refers to a formal, organized, or complex movement, often seen in military drills, dance, or the development of a situation.

Examples

El pelotón ejecutó una evolución perfecta en el campo de entrenamiento.

The platoon executed a perfect maneuver on the training field.

Physical vs. Strategic Actions

Learners often confuse 'maniobra' with 'jugada' or 'táctica'. Remember: 'maniobra' is primarily for physical movements, especially with vehicles. 'Jugada' and 'táctica' are for strategic or clever moves, not physical actions.

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