作戦(さくせん)

さくせん
noun
strategy; tactics; operation
1. strategy; tactics; plan of action
A planned method or approach to achieve a goal.
作戦(さくせん)を立(た)てる。
To devise a strategy.
この作戦(さくせん)で勝(か)てる。
We can win with this strategy.
作戦(さくせん)が失敗(しっぱい)した。
The operation failed.
2. military operation
A coordinated military action or campaign.
作戦(さくせん)が失敗(しっぱい)した。
The operation failed.

Composed of 作(さく) (make) + 戦(せん) (battle). Originally a military term, now widely used for strategies in everyday life, sports, and business.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 作戦(さくせん)を立(た)てる: to devise a strategy
  • 作戦(さくせん)を練(ね)る: to work out a strategy carefully
  • 作戦(さくせん)を実行(じっこう)する: to carry out a plan
  • 作戦(さくせん)会議(かいぎ): strategy meeting
  • 作戦(さくせん)本部(ほんぶ): operations headquarters
  • 作戦(さくせん)失敗(しっぱい): failed strategy/operation

USAGE:
In casual contexts, 作戦(さくせん) is used playfully for personal schemes or approaches: ダイエット作戦(さくせん) (diet strategy), 節約(せつやく)作戦(さくせん) (savings plan). This gives a lighthearted, game-like tone.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 戦略(せんりゃく): strategy (broader, long-term)
  • 戦術(せんじゅつ): tactics (specific methods)
  • 計画(けいかく): plan (neutral, no military connotation)
general
Added 2026.2.3 14:02 · Revised 2026.4.3 14:49
09500/09673_sakusen