Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 adjective 12 Min. Lesezeit

operativo/a

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps operativo/a in 30 Sekunden

Erklärung operativo/a in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 'operativo' as a fancy way to say 'it works' or 'it is ready.' While you might not use it every day, you will see it on signs or websites. Imagine you are at a train station and you see a ticket machine. If the screen says 'Operativo,' it means you can use it to buy a ticket. If it says 'No operativo,' it means it is broken. It is similar to the English word 'operational.' At this level, just remember that if something is 'operativo,' it is 'OK' and ready to go. You might also hear 'sistema operativo' if you use a computer. This just means the main program like Windows or Android. Don't worry about the complex business meanings yet. Just focus on 'operativo' = 'working' and 'ready.' Remember to change the ending: 'El teléfono está operativo' but 'La computadora está operativa.' This is a good way to practice your gender agreement with a slightly longer word. You can use it to talk about your tools for school or work. If your pen runs out of ink, you can say 'Mi bolígrafo no está operativo' as a joke with your teacher. It shows you are learning more professional words early on. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you navigate public spaces in Spanish-speaking countries where technical signs are common.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

As an A2 learner, you can start using 'operativo' to describe things in your daily life more accurately. Instead of always saying 'funciona' (it works), you can use 'está operativo' to describe services or devices. For example, if you are talking about the Wi-Fi in your house, you can say: 'El Wi-Fi ya está operativo.' This level is about expanding your vocabulary beyond the most basic verbs. You will also encounter 'operativo' when reading news headlines about police actions or city services. If there is a big festival, the news might say 'El operativo de seguridad' (the security operation). Here, you should recognize that 'operativo' is being used as a noun. It means a group of people and resources working together for a specific goal. You can also use it to talk about your own readiness. If you have been sick and you are finally feeling better, you could tell a friend: 'Ya estoy operativo para salir esta noche.' It’s a bit more formal than 'estoy bien,' but it’s a common and slightly clever way to express that you are ready for action. Pay attention to the plural forms too. 'Los cajeros automáticos están operativos' (The ATMs are working). This helps you practice the agreement between the subject, the verb 'estar,' and the adjective. At A2, you are building the foundation to move from simple descriptions to more precise, professional-sounding language.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the B1 level, 'operativo' becomes a key word for discussing plans, work, and technical systems. This is the level where you should understand the difference between 'ser' and 'estar' when used with this word. 'Estar operativo' describes a temporary state of functionality (e.g., 'La planta de energía estará operativa mañana'), while 'ser operativo' often describes a permanent role or a type of person/plan (e.g., 'Este es un cargo operativo,' meaning an operational or hands-on job). You should be comfortable using 'operativo' in a professional context. If you work in an office, you might talk about 'gastos operativos' (operating expenses) or 'procesos operativos' (operational processes). This word helps you describe the 'how' of a business. You should also be able to distinguish 'operativo' from 'operación.' While 'operación' is the general act of doing something or a medical procedure, 'operativo' (as a noun) is specifically a coordinated, often tactical, mission. For example, 'El operativo de rescate fue muy complejo.' At B1, you are expected to use this word to add detail to your descriptions of how things work and how they are organized. It is also a great word for discussing technology and infrastructure. You might explain to someone that a new law is not yet 'operativa' (in effect/operational), showing you understand its use in legal or administrative contexts. This level is about precision and choosing the right word for the right domain.

For B2 learners, 'operativo' is a versatile tool for discussing complex systems, business strategies, and social organization. You should be able to use it fluently in discussions about efficiency and management. For instance, you might argue that a company needs to improve its 'capacidad operativa' (operational capacity) to compete in the market. You should also understand its use in more abstract contexts. A 'definición operativa' is an operational definition—one that defines something in terms of the processes used to measure or create it. This is common in academic or scientific Spanish. At this level, you should also be aware of the nuances between 'operativo,' 'funcional,' and 'eficaz.' You can explain that while a system might be 'operativo' (running), it might not be 'eficaz' (achieving its goals). This level of distinction is what characterizes a B2 speaker. You should also be comfortable with the noun form in various contexts, such as 'el operativo de tráfico' during a holiday weekend. Your ability to use 'operativo' in the plural and with different genders should be second nature. You might also encounter it in literature or high-level journalism to describe the 'machinery' of government or society. For example, 'El engranaje operativo del estado se puso en marcha.' Using the word in these metaphorical or high-level ways shows a deep command of Spanish vocabulary and its stylistic possibilities.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C1 level, your use of 'operativo' should reflect a sophisticated understanding of its technical and stylistic applications. You can use it to discuss the intricacies of 'investigación operativa' (operations research) or the 'margen operativo' in a complex financial analysis. You should be able to use the word to describe not just whether something works, but the specific *mode* of its operation. For example, you might analyze the 'modelo operativo' of a non-profit organization, discussing how its field operations differ from its administrative functions. In legal Spanish, you will recognize 'cláusulas operativas' in contracts and understand their specific weight compared to 'considerandos' (preambles). You can also use 'operativo' to critique organizational structures, perhaps noting that a company is 'demasiado operativa y poco estratégica' (too focused on daily tasks and not enough on strategy). This level of nuance—using the word to create a contrast with other abstract concepts—is a hallmark of C1 proficiency. You should also be able to use the word in the context of 'psicología operativa' or other specialized fields where it has a very specific, technical meaning. Your speaking and writing should use 'operativo' to convey a sense of professional authority and precision, seamlessly switching between its roles as an adjective and a noun depending on the communicative need. You are no longer just saying 'it works'; you are describing the very nature of a system's functionality.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C2 level, 'operativo' is a word you use with total precision, often in highly specialized or philosophical contexts. You might explore the 'razón operativa' (operational reason) in a philosophical discourse on modern technology or efficiency. Your mastery allows you to use the word in subtle, ironic, or highly formal ways. For example, in a high-level diplomatic report, you might describe the 'limitaciones operativas' of a treaty, referring to the practical difficulties in its implementation. You understand the historical evolution of the word from its Latin roots to its modern prominence in the age of systems theory and computing. You can write complex business cases that revolve around 'excelencia operativa' as a core competitive advantage, using the term with the same ease as a native executive. Furthermore, you can identify and use rare collocations or industry-specific jargon involving 'operativo,' such as in 'inteligencia operativa' or 'derecho operativo.' Your command of the word's gender and number is flawless, even in the most complex sentence structures with multiple clauses. You can use 'operativo' to describe the 'readiness' of abstract concepts, like 'la democracia no es operativa sin instituciones sólidas.' At this level, 'operativo' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a precise instrument in your linguistic toolkit, used to dissect and describe the world's functional and strategic complexities with absolute clarity and sophistication.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

operativo/a in 30 Sekunden

Operativo means 'operational' or 'working' and is used for machines, systems, and plans.
It can be an adjective (working) or a masculine noun (a planned operation/mission).
It is common in professional, technical, and news contexts to describe readiness.
Always remember to match the gender and number: operativo, operativa, operativos, operativas.

The Spanish word operativo or its feminine form operativa is a versatile adjective that fundamentally describes something that is in a state of readiness, functionality, or active use. At its most basic level, it translates to 'operational' or 'working.' However, the depth of its usage in Spanish-speaking cultures extends far beyond a simple mechanical status. When an object is described as operativo, it implies that all necessary conditions have been met for it to perform its intended task without hindrance. This word is a staple in technical, business, and administrative environments, but it has also seeped into everyday conversation to describe people's readiness or the availability of services.

Technical Readiness: Refers to machines, software, or infrastructure being fully functional and capable of executing commands. For example, a server that has just been repaired is now 'operativo'.
Strategic Execution: In business and military contexts, it refers to the 'how' of a plan. An 'operativo' plan is one that focuses on the actual steps of implementation rather than abstract theory.

In a societal context, you will often hear this word in news reports. A 'dispositivo operativo' might refer to a police deployment or a logistics setup for a major event like a concert or a marathon. It suggests a coordinated effort where various moving parts are synchronized.

Tras el mantenimiento preventivo, el generador eléctrico de la planta ya se encuentra totalmente operativo para la producción.

The word also carries a sense of efficiency. It is not just that something works, but that it works in a way that produces results. If a team is 'operativa', it means they are not just present, but they are working effectively towards their goals. This distinction is crucial for learners; while 'funciona' (it works) is a general verb, 'está operativo' (it is operational) carries a more formal, systemic weight. It is the difference between saying a toy works and saying a national power grid is operational. Furthermore, the word appears in the phrase 'sistema operativo' (operating system), which is perhaps its most common daily occurrence for tech users. Here, it describes the foundational software that allows a computer to be 'operativo' for the user.

El nuevo protocolo de seguridad ya es operativo en todas las sucursales del banco.

In summary, use this word when you want to sound professional, precise, and focused on the practical readiness of a system, a person, or a plan. It bridges the gap between 'working' and 'ready for action,' making it an essential term for B1 learners moving into more formal or professional Spanish environments. Its use conveys a level of seriousness and organizational clarity that simpler synonyms might lack.

Using operativo correctly requires an understanding of Spanish adjective agreement and the nuances of verb pairing. Since it is an adjective ending in '-o', it must change to operativa when describing a feminine noun, and it takes an '-s' for plural forms (operativos/operativas).

Gender Agreement: 'El ascensor está operativo' (masculine) vs. 'La conexión está operativa' (feminine).
Plurality: 'Los protocolos son operativos' (masculine plural) vs. 'Las unidades están operativas' (feminine plural).

The choice of verb is equally important. Most commonly, you will see it with estar because being operational is often a temporary state—a machine might be operational today but broken tomorrow. 'La web estará operativa en dos horas' (The website will be operational in two hours). However, when it refers to a specific type of plan or a category of staff, ser is used to define their nature. 'Él es parte del personal operativo' (He is part of the operational staff). Here, 'operativo' describes his job function, not his current state of being awake or working.

¿Cuándo estará operativa la nueva línea de metro que conecta el centro con el aeropuerto?

Another common structure involves the word 'operativo' acting as a noun, particularly in the context of police or military actions. In this case, 'un operativo' means 'an operation' or 'a sting.' For example, 'La policía realizó un operativo contra el tráfico de drogas' (The police carried out an operation against drug trafficking). In this usage, it is always masculine. In business Spanish, you will frequently encounter the term 'margen operativo' (operating margin). This is a fixed term where the adjective follows the noun to specify a financial concept. Similarly, 'gastos operativos' (operating expenses) is a standard phrase in accounting.

Necesitamos reducir los gastos operativos para mejorar la rentabilidad de la empresa este trimestre.

When talking about people, saying 'No estoy operativo' is a slightly humorous or very formal way to say 'I'm not functioning' or 'I'm not ready to work yet,' perhaps because you haven't had your coffee or you are feeling unwell. It treats the human body like a machine or a system.

Prepositional Usage: It is often followed by 'para' to indicate what something is ready for: 'El equipo está operativo para la misión'.

Mastering the transition between the adjective 'operativo' and the noun 'operativo' is a hallmark of an advanced learner. By paying attention to the context—whether it's describing a state (adjective) or an event (noun)—you can navigate professional conversations with ease. Always remember to check the gender of the noun you are modifying, as 'la máquina operativo' is a common mistake for English speakers who are used to the gender-neutral 'operational'.

The word operativo is ubiquitous in several specific domains of Spanish-speaking life. If you spend any time in a corporate office in Madrid, Mexico City, or Buenos Aires, you will hear it daily. It is the language of efficiency and results. In these settings, it often refers to the 'operational level' of a company—the people who actually do the work, as opposed to the 'directivo' (executive) level.

The Corporate World: Managers discuss 'eficiencia operativa' to describe how well the company's internal processes are running. You might hear: 'Tenemos que optimizar el flujo operativo'.
Information Technology: Every time someone mentions Windows, macOS, or Linux, they are talking about a 'sistema operativo'. In tech support, if a service is down, the goal is to get it back to being 'operativo'.

Another major area is the news and media. Spanish news broadcasts frequently report on 'operativos policiales' or 'operativos de rescate.' In this context, it refers to a planned, coordinated action by authorities. For instance, after a natural disaster, you will hear about the 'operativo de emergencia' deployed to help victims. This usage highlights the word's connection to organized action and mobilization.

El operativo de limpieza tras las fiestas locales comenzará a las cinco de la mañana.

In the travel industry, you will hear it regarding the status of flights, trains, or infrastructure. If a strike ends, the news might say: 'El aeropuerto ya está plenamente operativo.' This tells travelers that things are back to normal. Even in social contexts, though less frequent, a friend might use it to describe their state of mind or health. If someone asks if you can go for a run after a long night, you might reply: 'Aún no estoy operativo,' meaning you aren't physically ready for such an effort yet.

El sistema de calefacción central ya quedó operativo justo antes de que empezara el invierno.

You will also find it in legal and administrative documents. Laws often have 'cláusulas operativas'—the parts of the law that actually mandate action or change, as opposed to the introductory or descriptive parts.

Public Infrastructure: 'El puente estará operativo el próximo mes' is a common headline for public works projects.

Ultimately, 'operativo' is a word that signals a transition from theory or brokenness to action and functionality. Whether it is a computer, a police squad, or a financial budget, if it is 'operativo,' it is doing what it was designed to do. Hearing this word should immediately trigger a sense of 'readiness' and 'action' in your mind.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning Spanish is the confusion between operativo and related words like operador (operator) or operación (operation). While they share the same root, their functions are distinct. You cannot use 'operativo' to describe a person who operates a machine; that person is an 'operador'. For example, saying 'Él es un operativo de grúa' is incorrect; it should be 'Él es un operador de grúa.'

Confusion with 'Funcionar': Beginners often use the verb 'funcionar' when 'estar operativo' would be more precise. While 'La máquina funciona' is correct, 'La máquina está operativa' suggests a higher level of professional readiness.
Gender Agreement Errors: Because 'operational' in English doesn't change, students often forget to say 'la red está operativa' and mistakenly say 'la red está operativo'.

Another common pitfall is the misuse of 'operativo' as a noun. In English, we might say 'The operation was a success.' In Spanish, you can say 'El operativo fue un éxito' (referring to a planned action like a police raid) OR 'La operación fue un éxito' (referring to a medical surgery or a general action). However, you cannot use 'operativo' for a medical surgery. Saying 'El operativo de corazón' is a major mistake; it must be 'La operación de corazón.'

Incorrecto: El operativo de apéndice salió bien.
Correcto: La operación de apéndice salió bien.

Furthermore, some learners confuse 'operativo' with 'práctico.' While something 'operativo' is practical in the sense that it works, 'práctico' refers more to the utility or ease of use of an object or idea. An 'operativo' plan is one that is ready to be executed; a 'práctico' plan is one that is sensible and easy to do. There is also the issue of 'ser' vs 'estar'. Using 'ser operativo' for a machine implies that being operational is its permanent essence, which sounds strange. Use 'estar' for the current state of a machine. Use 'ser' only for roles or inherent characteristics of a plan.

No digas 'El coche es operativo'. Di 'El coche está operativo'.

Lastly, be careful with the pluralization in compound terms. In 'gastos operativos,' both words must be plural. Some learners leave 'operativo' in the singular: 'gastos operativo,' which is grammatically incorrect. Precision in these small details is what elevates your Spanish from basic to intermediate-advanced levels. Pay close attention to the context of 'action' vs. 'readiness' to choose the right word every time.

To truly master the use of operativo, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning that can change the tone of your sentence.

Funcional: This means 'functional.' It is the closest synonym. However, 'funcional' often refers to the design—how something is intended to work. 'Operativo' refers to the current state—whether it is working right now.
Activo: 'Active.' This is used for accounts, volcanoes, or members of a group. A bank account is 'activa,' but a machine is 'operativa.' 'Activo' implies a state of ongoing participation or existence.

Another alternative is disponible (available). If a service is 'operativo,' it is usually 'disponible,' but they are not identical. A room might be 'disponible' (empty and ready for you) but not 'operativa' (perhaps the lights don't work). 'Operativo' focuses on the mechanics and systems, while 'disponible' focuses on the availability for the user.

El software es funcional (it works as designed), pero el servidor no está operativo (it is currently down).

In the context of a plan, you might use ejecutable (executable). An 'operativo' plan is ready to go, but an 'ejecutable' plan specifically emphasizes that it is *possible* to carry out. For business settings, eficaz (effective) or eficiente (efficient) are often used alongside 'operativo.' While 'operativo' describes the status, 'eficaz' describes the quality of the result. 'Un equipo operativo' is one that is in place and working; 'un equipo eficaz' is one that gets the job done well.

La empresa busca un director operativo que sea altamente eficiente.

In summary, choose 'operativo' when you want to emphasize the 'on' switch has been flipped and the system is ready for its mission. Use 'funcional' for design, 'activo' for status/membership, 'disponible' for availability, and 'listo' for personal readiness. Understanding these distinctions will help you avoid repetitive language and sound more like a native speaker who understands the technical and social nuances of the Spanish language.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word 'opera' (the musical drama) comes from the same Latin root 'opus' (work), meaning 'operativo' is a distant linguistic cousin to the Phantom of the Opera!

Aussprachehilfe

UK /opəɾaˈtiβo/

US /oʊpəɾəˈtivoʊ/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: o-pe-ra-TI-vo.

Reimt sich auf

vivo activo motivo nativo cultivo festivo archivo pasivo

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' (it should be a soft 'b' sound).
Stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., o-PE-ra-ti-vo).
Making the 'r' too strong (it should be a single tap, not a roll).
Pronouncing the 'o' like 'u' at the end.
Failing to change the ending for feminine nouns.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'operational'.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires attention to gender/number agreement and 'ser/estar' choice.

Sprechen 3/5

The 'r' tap and 'v' sound require some practice for native English speakers.

Hören 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in news and business.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

operar trabajar listo funcionar sistema

Als Nächstes lernen

operatividad gestión logística eficiencia ejecución

Fortgeschritten

investigación operativa margen operativo bruto despliegue táctico estratégico

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective Agreement

La red (fem) está operativa (fem).

Ser vs Estar with Adjectives

El plan es operativo (nature) vs El plan está operativo (ready now).

Noun formation from Adjectives

El operativo (the operation).

Pluralization of Adjectives

Sistemas operativos (both plural).

Position of Adjectives

Sistema operativo (usually after the noun).

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Beispiele nach Niveau

El ascensor está operativo.

The elevator is operational.

Uses 'estar' for a temporary state.

Mi teléfono no está operativo hoy.

My phone is not operational today.

Negation with 'no' before the verb.

¿Está operativa la televisión?

Is the TV working?

Question form; 'operativa' matches 'televisión' (feminine).

El baño está operativo ahora.

The bathroom is operational now.

'Ahora' indicates the current state.

La computadora está operativa.

The computer is operational.

Feminine agreement: 'la computadora' + 'operativa'.

El coche ya está operativo.

The car is already operational.

'Ya' means 'already' or 'now'.

La radio no está operativa.

The radio is not operational.

Feminine agreement: 'la radio' + 'operativa'.

El sistema está operativo.

The system is operational.

Masculine agreement: 'el sistema' + 'operativo'.

El cajero automático ya está operativo.

The ATM is already operational.

Common technical context for A2.

Las cámaras de seguridad están operativas.

The security cameras are operational.

Plural agreement: 'las cámaras' + 'operativas'.

Mañana el servicio estará operativo.

Tomorrow the service will be operational.

Future tense of 'estar' (estará).

El operativo de limpieza fue un éxito.

The cleaning operation was a success.

'Operativo' used as a masculine noun.

Necesito que mi equipo esté operativo pronto.

I need my equipment to be operational soon.

Present subjunctive 'esté' after 'necesito que'.

La red wifi no está operativa en este piso.

The Wi-Fi network is not operational on this floor.

Feminine agreement with 'la red'.

Todos los sistemas están operativos.

All systems are operational.

Plural masculine agreement.

El plan operativo está listo.

The operational plan is ready.

'Operativo' as an adjective modifying 'plan'.

El personal operativo debe llevar casco.

The operational staff must wear a helmet.

'Operativo' describes the type of staff (adjective).

El sistema operativo de mi móvil es antiguo.

My mobile's operating system is old.

Fixed phrase: 'sistema operativo'.

La empresa tiene un alto gasto operativo.

The company has high operating expenses.

Business context adjective.

El operativo policial detuvo a los sospechosos.

The police operation arrested the suspects.

Noun usage in a law enforcement context.

La nueva ley aún no es operativa.

The new law is not yet operational/in effect.

Uses 'ser' to describe the inherent status of a law.

Buscamos a alguien con perfil operativo.

We are looking for someone with an operational profile.

Describes a person's professional focus.

El puente estará operativo para el tráfico en mayo.

The bridge will be operational for traffic in May.

Uses 'para' to show purpose.

Debemos revisar el manual operativo.

We must review the operational manual.

Adjective modifying 'manual'.

La capacidad operativa de la fábrica ha crecido.

The factory's operational capacity has grown.

Abstract business noun phrase.

El margen operativo se redujo este trimestre.

The operating margin decreased this quarter.

Specific accounting terminology.

Fue un operativo de rescate muy arriesgado.

It was a very risky rescue operation.

Noun usage with modifiers.

Necesitamos una definición operativa de 'éxito'.

We need an operational definition of 'success'.

Academic/Scientific context.

El director operativo supervisa la logística.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) supervises logistics.

Job title: 'Director operativo'.

La plataforma está operativa, pero tiene errores.

The platform is operational, but it has bugs.

Contrast between status and quality.

El ejército lanzó un operativo en la frontera.

The army launched an operation at the border.

Military noun usage.

Las unidades operativas están en posición.

The operational units are in position.

Plural feminine agreement.

La excelencia operativa es nuestra prioridad.

Operational excellence is our priority.

High-level corporate jargon.

El despliegue operativo tardó tres días.

The operational deployment took three days.

Refers to the act of setting up.

Hay que analizar la viabilidad operativa del proyecto.

The project's operational feasibility must be analyzed.

Complex noun phrase.

El engranaje operativo del estado es lento.

The operational machinery of the state is slow.

Metaphorical usage.

Se requiere un enfoque más operativo y menos teórico.

A more operational and less theoretical approach is required.

Contrast between 'operativo' and 'teórico'.

La inteligencia operativa permitió evitar el fraude.

Operational intelligence allowed fraud to be avoided.

Specific security/tech term.

Las cláusulas operativas del contrato son claras.

The operational clauses of the contract are clear.

Legal terminology.

El sistema alcanzó su nivel operativo óptimo.

The system reached its optimal operational level.

Technical/Scientific precision.

La ontología operativa de este software es única.

The operational ontology of this software is unique.

Highly academic/philosophical usage.

El operativo se saldó con la recuperación del botín.

The operation resulted in the recovery of the loot.

Sophisticated verb 'saldarse con'.

La burocracia lastra la eficiencia operativa.

Bureaucracy hampers operational efficiency.

Uses the vivid verb 'lastrar' (to hamper/burden).

Subyace una lógica operativa en sus decisiones.

An operational logic underlies his decisions.

Uses 'subyacer' (to underlie).

El derecho operativo regula las misiones de paz.

Operational law regulates peace missions.

Niche legal field.

La empresa ha externalizado su núcleo operativo.

The company has outsourced its operational core.

Advanced business strategy term.

Se cuestiona la operatividad del actual sistema.

The operability of the current system is being questioned.

Uses the noun 'operatividad' (operability).

El diseño debe ser intrínsecamente operativo.

The design must be intrinsically operational.

Uses the adverb 'intrínsecamente'.

Häufige Kollokationen

sistema operativo

plan operativo

gasto operativo

operativo policial

capacidad operativa

personal operativo

margen operativo

centro operativo

nivel operativo

manual operativo

Häufige Phrasen

estar operativo

— To be in working order or ready for use.

La web volverá a estar operativa pronto.

quedar operativo

— To become operational after a process or repair.

El ascensor quedó operativo tras el arreglo.

plenamente operativo

— Fully operational without any limitations.

El aeropuerto ya está plenamente operativo.

dispositivo operativo

— A coordinated set of resources for a mission.

Se montó un dispositivo operativo para el evento.

fuera de nivel operativo

— Not functioning at the required standard.

La máquina está fuera de nivel operativo.

ya operativo

— Now operational (emphasizing the change).

El nuevo puente está ya operativo.

totalmente operativo

— Completely functional.

El equipo está totalmente operativo.

operativo de emergencia

— Emergency operation or response team.

El operativo de emergencia llegó rápido.

fase operativa

— Operational phase (doing rather than planning).

Entramos en la fase operativa del proyecto.

operativo de rescate

— Rescue operation.

El operativo de rescate duró tres días.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

operativo/a vs operador

An 'operador' is a person who operates a machine. 'Operativo' is the state of the machine.

operativo/a vs operación

Use 'operación' for surgery. Use 'operativo' for a coordinated mission.

operativo/a vs funcional

'Funcional' is about design; 'operativo' is about current status.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"ponerse operativo"

— To get ready or start functioning (often said of people).

Me tomo un café y me pongo operativo.

informal

"no estar operativo"

— To not be in the mood or physical state to work.

Hoy no estoy operativo para pensar tanto.

informal

"operativo relámpago"

— A very fast, surprise operation (usually police).

Hicieron un operativo relámpago en el bar.

news

"en modo operativo"

— Being in a mindset focused on getting things done.

Estoy en modo operativo, no me distraigas.

colloquial

"caída del sistema operativo"

— A computer crash, but sometimes used for mental exhaustion.

Tuve una caída del sistema operativo ayer.

humorous

"brazo operativo"

— The branch of an organization that executes actions.

Esta ONG es el brazo operativo de la fundación.

formal

"cerebro operativo"

— The person who plans the logistics of an action.

Ella es el cerebro operativo de la campaña.

neutral

"operativo de hormiga"

— A slow, meticulous operation involving many small parts.

Hicieron un operativo de hormiga para la mudanza.

colloquial

"fuera de rango operativo"

— Operating outside of safe or normal limits.

El motor está fuera de rango operativo.

technical

"operativo de limpieza"

— Can refer to literal cleaning or 'cleaning up' corruption.

El gobierno inició un operativo de limpieza en la policía.

journalistic

Leicht verwechselbar

operativo/a vs operario

Sounds similar.

An 'operario' is a blue-collar worker or laborer. 'Operativo' is an adjective or a tactical mission.

El operario reparó la máquina.

operativo/a vs obrar

Same root.

'Obrar' is a formal verb meaning 'to act' or 'to work'. 'Operativo' describes the state of readiness.

Debemos obrar con cautela.

operativo/a vs operable

Similar meaning.

'Operable' means something *can* be operated (like a tumor or a device), while 'operativo' means it *is* currently working.

El tumor no es operable.

operativo/a vs práctico

Related concepts.

'Práctico' means useful or realistic. 'Operativo' means ready for action.

Es un consejo muy práctico.

operativo/a vs activo

Synonyms.

'Activo' is used for accounts or ongoing processes. 'Operativo' is for machines or plans ready to start.

El volcán está activo.

Satzmuster

[Object] está operativo.

El teléfono está operativo.

El [Noun] ya está operativo.

El cajero ya está operativo.

Un operativo de [Noun]...

Un operativo de seguridad...

Sistema operativo [Name].

Sistema operativo Android.

Debido a [Reason], no está operativo.

Debido a la lluvia, no está operativo.

Analizar la [Noun] operativa.

Analizar la capacidad operativa.

[Noun] lastra la [Noun] operativa.

La falta de fondos lastra la gestión operativa.

Desde una perspectiva operativa...

Desde una perspectiva operativa, el plan es inviable.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

operación

operatividad

operador

operadora

operario

Verben

operar

Adjektive

operativo

operacional

operable

Verwandt

obra

opereta

cooperación

operante

opúsculo

Registriere dich kostenlos, um alle Beispiele zu sehen

So verwendest du es

frequency

High, especially in news, business, and technology.

Häufige Fehler

El operativo de rodilla. → La operación de rodilla.
Medical procedures are always 'operación', never 'operativo'.
Soy un operativo de fábrica. → Soy un operario de fábrica.
A worker is an 'operario' or 'operador', not 'operativo'.
La red está operativo. → La red está operativa.
'Red' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'operativa'.
Gastos operativo. → Gastos operativos.
Adjectives must match the plural noun 'gastos'.
El sistema es operativo. → El sistema está operativo.
Use 'estar' for the current working state of a machine.

Tipps

Gender Check

Always check the noun. 'La máquina está operativa'. Don't let the English 'operational' trick you into using only one form.

Professional Tone

Use 'operativo' instead of 'que funciona' in job interviews or professional reports to sound more authoritative.

Police News

When you see 'operativo' in a headline, it almost always refers to a police raid or a big security plan.

Tech Link

Associate 'operativo' with 'Operating System' (Sistema Operativo). If you know that term, you know the word!

Morning Coffee

Use 'Aún no estoy operativo' before your first coffee. It's a great way to use the word naturally with friends.

Business Plurals

In financial writing, ensure both words are plural: 'márgenes operativos', 'beneficios operativos'.

News Alerts

Listen for the word during weather alerts or traffic reports. They often talk about 'operativos de vialidad'.

Operativo vs Operación

Think: Operativo = Tactical Mission. Operación = General Action or Surgery.

Public Works

When a new metro line or bridge opens, look for the word 'operativo' in the local Spanish newspapers.

Academic Use

Use 'definición operativa' when you want to be very precise in a scientific or logical argument.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of an 'Operator' who makes sure everything is 'Operativo'. If the operator is happy, the system is operativo!

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a giant green 'ON' switch on a machine. Above the switch, it says 'OPERATIVO' in glowing letters.

Word Web

funcional listo trabajando activo sistema plan policía máquina

Herausforderung

Try to use 'operativo' three times today: once for your phone, once for a plan you have, and once for how you feel after coffee.

Wortherkunft

From the Late Latin 'operativus', which comes from 'operari' (to work, to labor).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Effective, productive, or having the power to work.

Romance (Latin root).

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using 'operativo' for medical surgeries; use 'operación' instead.

English speakers often use 'operational' or 'up and running'. 'Operativo' is a direct and elegant equivalent.

Sistema Operativo (the term for Windows/macOS/Linux). Operativo Cóndor (a historical political campaign in South America). Misión Operativa (common phrase in action movies).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Technology

actualizar el sistema operativo
el servidor está operativo
fallo operativo
soporte operativo

Police/Military

iniciar un operativo
operativo conjunto
éxito del operativo
operativo de vigilancia

Business

gastos operativos
eficiencia operativa
director operativo
flujo operativo

Public Services

el metro está operativo
operativo de limpieza
horario operativo
puente operativo

Personal Readiness

ya estoy operativo
no estar operativo
ponerse operativo
mente operativa

Gesprächseinstiege

"¿Sabes si el cajero automático de la esquina ya está operativo?"

"¿Qué sistema operativo prefieres usar en tu computadora de trabajo?"

"¿Crees que el nuevo plan operativo de la empresa va a funcionar bien?"

"¿A qué hora estarás operativo para empezar la reunión de mañana?"

"¿Viste en las noticias el operativo que hubo anoche en el centro?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe un momento en el que algo importante para ti dejó de estar operativo y cómo lo solucionaste.

Escribe sobre tu 'plan operativo' personal para aprender español este año. ¿Qué pasos vas a seguir?

¿Cómo te sientes cuando no estás 'operativo' por la mañana? Describe tu rutina para despertar.

Imagina que eres un director operativo de una gran empresa. ¿Qué cambios harías para ser más eficiente?

Comenta un operativo policial o de rescate que hayas visto en las noticias recientemente.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No. Para temas médicos, siempre se dice 'una operación de corazón'. 'Operativo' se usa para planes logísticos o policiales.

'Sistema operativo' es un término técnico (Operating System). 'Operativo' por sí solo es un adjetivo que significa 'que funciona'.

Sí, pero de forma figurada o formal. 'No estoy operativo' significa 'no puedo trabajar ahora' o 'estoy muy cansado'.

Son parecidos, pero 'operativo' implica que está listo para una misión específica, mientras que 'funcional' solo dice que no está roto.

Se dice 'gastos operativos'. Siempre en plural si los gastos son varios.

Como adjetivo, depende del sustantivo (operativo/operativa). Como sustantivo (una misión), es siempre masculino: 'el operativo'.

Sí, para definir una característica permanente. 'Este plan es operativo' (está diseñado para la acción).

Es una expresión común para decir que alguien va a empezar a trabajar o a estar listo para hacer algo.

Se traduce comúnmente como 'Director Operativo' o 'Director de Operaciones'.

Sí, es muy común tanto en España como en toda Latinoamérica, especialmente en contextos profesionales.

Registriere dich kostenlos für Tipps & Notizen