eche
/AY-chay/
throw
Use eche when talking about throwing or tossing an object.
eche(Verb)
throw
?to cast or toss an object
,put in
?to add an ingredient or item
pour
?liquids
,sprout
?when talking about plants (echar raíces)
📝 In Action
¡Eche más leña al fuego, por favor!
A2Please, throw more wood onto the fire!
Mi madre quiere que yo eche menos sal a la sopa.
B1My mother wants me to put less salt in the soup.
No creo que eche gasolina hoy, el tanque está lleno.
B1I don't think I'll put gas in today, the tank is full.
💡 Grammar Points
A Form of the Verb 'echar'
'Eche' is the special verb form (subjunctive) used when you express a wish, a doubt, or a command directed at 'yo' (I), 'él/ella' (he/she), or 'usted' (the formal 'you').
Formal Command (Usted)
When giving a polite command to an adult or someone you don't know well, you use 'eche': 'Eche la basura' (Throw the garbage).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Eche and Echa
Mistake: "Using 'Echa usted la sal' (using the informal command form 'echa' for the formal 'usted')."
Correction: The formal command must use the subjunctive form: 'Eche usted la sal' (Please put in the salt).
⭐ Usage Tips
Think of it as 'Let him/her/you throw'
If you can translate the sentence in your head as 'I hope he throws' or 'Let him throw,' you need the 'eche' form.
Eche can also mean to dismiss or fire someone from their employment.
eche(Verb)
fire
?to dismiss someone from a job
,kick out
?to expel or remove a person
throw out
?to remove someone forcefully
📝 In Action
Temo que mi jefe me eche si llego tarde otra vez.
B2I fear that my boss might fire me if I arrive late again.
Que el portero eche a los clientes ruidosos.
B2Have the bouncer kick out the noisy customers.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
This meaning uses 'echar' figuratively, meaning 'to throw someone out.' It requires the verb to be conjugated as 'eche' when used after verbs of influence or emotion (like 'temer' or 'querer').
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: eche
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'eche' as a polite command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'eche' always a command?
No. While 'Eche' is the formal command (Usted), it is also the 'yo' (I), 'él/ella' (he/she), and 'usted' form in the present subjunctive. The subjunctive is used for expressing wishes, doubts, or necessity: 'Dudo que él eche la culpa a nadie' (I doubt he blames anyone).
How is 'eche' different from 'echa'?
'Echa' is the standard present tense form for 'he/she/it' and the informal command for 'tú' (you). 'Eche' is the special form used for formal commands ('usted') and expressing uncertainty or desire (subjunctive mood).