Spanish Conversation · Level 62
76 words
Spanish word
operativo
Pronunciation
IPA/opeɾaˈtiβo/
Meaning
- masculine nounoperation
Example
La policía realizó un operativo en el barrio.
The police carried out an operation in the neighborhood.
More examples
El operativo policial permitió recuperar varios objetos robados.
The police operation allowed the recovery of several stolen items.
Core concept
Short-term coordinated law-enforcement action.
Common phrases
operativo policial
police operation
operativo antidrogas
anti-drug operation
operativo de tránsito
traffic enforcement operation
Similar words
operación: Planned, organized action carried out to achieve a specific objective.
redada: Rapid surprise raid into a location to arrest or detain multiple people.
Definition in Spanish
Operación planificada por la policía u otras autoridades para realizar controles, detenciones o registros en un lugar determinado.
Word origin
From Latin operativus (based on operari 'to work'), originally describing what is operative and later used as a noun for a coordinated action by authorities.
Usage tips
- Unlike operación, which covers many kinds of operations, operativo specifically implies a police or authority-led action and often signals coordination between units.