Translation guide
Ways to distract someone's attention, often to gain an advantage. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific nouns and set phrases rather than a single direct translation.
To divert attention from something else, often in a strategic or competitive context.
A military-derived term for a feint or diversionary operation. Used broadly for any planned distraction.
We carried out a diversionary tactic to distract the enemy.
Literally 'blinding', used for a smoke screen or deceptive maneuver to hide true intentions.
That announcement was just a diversionary tactic.
A more literal phrase meaning 'a strategy to divert attention'. Clear and straightforward.
They used diversionary tactics.
A feint or deceptive move to mislead an opponent.
A tactic to shift public attention away from a scandal or issue.
陽動作戦 implies a planned, often military-style diversion. 目くらまし is more about deception or creating confusion, like a magician's trick. For everyday distraction, 注意をそらす is simpler.
We lured the enemy with a diversionary tactic.
The magician used misdirection.
そのパスは陽動だった。
That pass was a diversionary tactic.
その記者会見は煙幕に過ぎなかった。
That press conference was nothing but a smoke screen.