lanzó
/lan-SOH/
threw
The image shows the action of threw (lanzó) a physical object.
lanzó(verb)
threw
?past action, physical object
,launched
?past action, product/rocket
tossed
?casual throwing
,hurl
?strong throwing
📝 In Action
El niño lanzó la pelota al perro.
A1The boy threw the ball to the dog.
Ella no se dio cuenta y lanzó el teléfono a la piscina.
A2She didn't realize and tossed the phone into the pool.
El presidente lanzó un nuevo programa de becas la semana pasada.
B1The president launched a new scholarship program last week.
💡 Grammar Points
Z to C Spelling Change
In the preterite tense, the 'yo' form of 'lanzar' must change the 'z' to a 'c' before the 'e' ending ('yo lancé'). This is a spelling rule to keep the 'z' sound consistent.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'lanzó' for 'to miss'
Mistake: "El jugador lanzó el tiro. (Meaning: The player missed the shot.)"
Correction: Use 'falló' for missing a shot or target. 'Lanzó' means the action of throwing was completed.
⭐ Usage Tips
Completed Past Action
Remember that 'lanzó' describes an action that started and finished completely in the past, like a single event (the throw happened, and then it was over).
This visualization captures the meaning of uttered (lanzó) a sound or word.
lanzó(verb)
uttered
?a sound or word
,let out
?a cry or shout
issued
?a threat or warning
📝 In Action
El prisionero lanzó un grito de desesperación.
B2The prisoner let out a cry of desperation.
La oposición lanzó fuertes críticas contra el gobierno.
C1The opposition issued strong criticism against the government.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When used with words like 'grito' (shout) or 'amenaza' (threat), 'lanzó' means the sound or warning was forcefully projected, similar to throwing a physical object.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: lanzó
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'lanzó' to mean 'to release a product'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'lanzó' have an accent mark?
The accent mark is required because 'lanzó' is a past tense verb ending in a vowel ('o') and the stress falls on that final syllable. This is a standard rule for most Spanish verbs in the simple past tense (preterite) for the third person singular.
How is 'lanzó' different from 'tiró' (from 'tirar')?
Both mean 'threw,' but 'lanzó' often implies more force, direction, or purpose, especially in formal contexts like launching a product or a rocket. 'Tiró' is often used for casual or light throwing, or sometimes for throwing something away.