echo
/é-cho/
I throw
The action of throwing or launching something.
echo(verb)
I throw
?to launch or toss something
,I cast
?to throw a net or line
I hurl
?intense action
📝 In Action
Yo echo la basura al contenedor.
A1I throw the trash into the bin.
Cada mañana, echo una mirada rápida al periódico.
B1Every morning, I cast a quick glance at the newspaper.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'I' Form Rule
'Echo' is always used when the person doing the action is 'I' (yo). It’s the simplest way to talk about something you do right now.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'echar' and 'hacer'
Mistake: "Using 'echo' (no H) when you mean 'I have done' ('he hecho')."
Correction: Remember: 'echo' is 'I throw/put.' 'He hecho' (with 'h') is 'I have done.' They are different verbs!
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Phrasal Use
A very common phrase is 'echar de menos' (to miss someone). When you use the 'I' form, you say 'Echo de menos a mi familia' (I miss my family).
Placing or putting something inside a container.
echo(verb)
I put in
?to place something inside
,I add
?ingredients or liquid
I pour
?liquid
📝 In Action
Echo un poco de aceite a la sartén.
A2I put a little oil in the frying pan.
Echo una moneda en la máquina de café.
A2I put (drop) a coin in the coffee machine.
💡 Grammar Points
Replacing 'Poner'
In many contexts, especially when adding ingredients, 'echo' (from 'echar') is used instead of 'pongo' (from 'poner'). Think of it as 'tossing it in'.
The act of dismissing someone from their employment.
echo(verb)
I fire
?to dismiss someone from a job
,I expel
?to force someone out of a place
I kick out
?informal expulsion
📝 In Action
Si no cumplo la cuota, mi jefe me echo.
B1If I don't meet the quota, my boss fires me. (Note: Often used reflexively, 'me echa')
Echo a los invitados que están causando problemas.
B2I kick out the guests who are causing trouble.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Echar' with People
When 'echo' means to remove a person, it usually requires the preposition 'a': 'Echo a Juan' (I fire Juan/I kick Juan out).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: echo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'echo' (without H)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'echo' and 'hecho'?
'Echo' (no H) means 'I throw' or 'I put' (from the verb *echar*). 'Hecho' (with H) means 'done' or 'made' (from the verb *hacer*). This is the most common spelling mistake in Spanish!
How can I remember if I need the 'H' or not?
Think of the action: If you are *H*urling something or *H*aving *H*appened (done), use the H: *H*echo. If you are just *E*jecting or *E*mptying, leave the H out: *E*cho.