How to say "maneuvers" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

策動さくどうCommon
noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbCovers the figurative sense of 'maneuvers' as scheming and machinations. It refers to behind-the-scenes plotting, typically in political or organizational contexts, and is not used for physical or military movement.
彼かれは昇進しょうしんを目指めざして策動さくどうしている。↗
He is angling for promotion.
演習えんしゅうJLPT N1approx.Common
noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbCovers 'maneuvers' in the literal military sense: exercises and drills conducted by troops. This is the word you want for training operations, not for scheming or intrigue.

Use 演習 for 'maneuvers' as military exercises or drills; use 策動 for the figurative sense of scheming or political machinations behind the scenes.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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