echo
“echo” means “I throw” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
I throw, I cast
Also: I hurl
📝 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.
I put in, I add
Also: I pour
📝 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.
I fire, I expel
Also: I kick out
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: echo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'echo' (without H)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the vulgar Latin verb *iactare*, which meant 'to throw' or 'to hurl.' The original meaning is still the core of the Spanish verb *echar*.
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.