Inklingo

How to Say "maneuver" in Spanish

English → Spanish

operación

nounB2military
Use this for a planned, often secret, action, especially in a military or police context.

Examples

La policía preparó una operación secreta para atrapar al ladrón.

The police prepared a secret operation to catch the thief.

táctica

nounB1strategic
Choose this for a clever or strategic move within a game, sport, or negotiation, designed to gain an advantage.

Examples

El entrenador cambió la táctica en el segundo tiempo.

The coach changed the tactic in the second half.

jugada

hoo-GAH-dah/xuˈɣaða/

nounB1strategic
Use this for a specific, often risky, move or action, particularly in business or finance, that is part of a larger plan.
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.

evolución

nounC1military
This refers to a formal, organized movement, often seen in military drills or dance, implying a smooth, planned progression.

Examples

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

The platoon executed a perfect maneuver on the training field.

Operation vs. Táctica/Jugada

Learners often confuse 'operación' with 'táctica' or 'jugada'. Remember, 'operación' usually implies a larger, more formal or potentially clandestine undertaking, especially in official contexts like military or police actions, while 'táctica' and 'jugada' are typically about clever, specific moves within a broader strategy or game.

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