How to Say "operation" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “operation” is “operación” — use this for general medical surgery, or for a process or transaction, like a business deal or a computer process.
operación
Examples
Mi abuela necesita una operación de cadera la próxima semana.
My grandmother needs a hip operation next week.
funcionamiento
foon-syon-ah-MYEN-tohfunsjo.naˈmjento

Examples
El funcionamiento de la aplicación es muy intuitivo.
The operation of the app is very intuitive.
Debemos revisar el buen funcionamiento del motor.
We must check that the engine is working properly.
Pusieron el nuevo plan en funcionamiento ayer.
They put the new plan into operation yesterday.
Making Nouns from Verbs
This word is the 'thing' version of the verb 'funcionar' (to work/function). By adding the ending '-miento,' we turn the action into a name for the process itself.
Working vs. Functioning
Mistake: “Using 'trabajamiento' to talk about a machine.”
Correction: Use 'funcionamiento.' In Spanish, 'trabajo' is for people's jobs, while 'funcionamiento' is for how things or systems operate.
cirugía
Examples
El médico decidió que el paciente necesitaba una cirugía urgente.
The doctor decided that the patient needed urgent surgery.
intervención
Examples
La intervención duró tres horas pero todo salió bien.
The surgery lasted three hours but everything went well.
explotación
Examples
La explotación de petróleo en esta zona es muy costosa.
The oil extraction in this area is very expensive.
maniobra
mah-nyoh-brahmaˈnjo.βɾa

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).
marcha
MAR-chahˈmartʃa

Examples
El plan de construcción ya está en marcha.
The construction plan is already underway/operational.
Necesitamos garantizar la buena marcha del negocio.
We need to guarantee the smooth running/operation of the business.
Examples
La campaña militar de Napoleón en Rusia fue desastrosa.
Napoleon's military campaign in Russia was disastrous.
operativo
oh-peh-rah-TEE-bohopeɾaˈtiβo

Examples
El operativo policial detuvo a los sospechosos.
The police operation arrested the suspects.
Hubo un gran operativo de limpieza tras el concierto.
There was a massive cleaning effort after the concert.
El gobierno lanzó un operativo de rescate en la montaña.
The government launched a rescue operation in the mountains.
Always Masculine
When used as a noun meaning 'an operation/effort,' it is always masculine: 'el operativo' or 'un operativo'.
Operation vs. Operativo
Mistake: “Don't use 'operativo' for math or medical surgeries.”
Correction: Use 'operación' for '2+2' or 'heart surgery'. Use 'operativo' for a coordinated group action like a search party.
procedimiento
proh-seh-dee-myén-tohpɾo.θe.ðiˈmjen.to

Examples
El juez suspendió el procedimiento hasta la próxima semana.
The judge suspended the proceeding until next week.
El doctor explicó el procedimiento quirúrgico antes de la cirugía.
The doctor explained the surgical operation before the surgery.
Official Language
When used in formal settings, 'procedimiento' often pairs with adjectives like 'administrativo' (administrative) or 'disciplinario' (disciplinary) to specify the type of official action being taken.
manipulación
Examples
La higiene en la manipulación de alimentos es vital.
Hygiene in food handling is vital.
función
Examples
La función principal de este botón es encender la máquina.
The main function of this button is to turn on the machine.
Operation vs. Functionality
Related Translations
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