tire
/TEE-reh/
throw
When you throw a ball, you can say 'tire'.
tire(verb)
throw
?to toss something
,toss
?to throw lightly
drop
?to let something fall
,hurl
?to throw forcefully
📝 In Action
Quiero que usted tire la pelota lejos.
A2I want you (formal) to throw the ball far away.
¡Tire la llave aquí, por favor!
A1Throw the key here, please!
Espero que no tire el vaso.
B1I hope I don't drop the glass.
💡 Grammar Points
What 'tire' means here
'Tire' is the special verb form (the subjunctive) used when you express desires, wishes, or uncertainty about someone else (yo, él, ella, or usted) throwing something.
The Formal Command
'Tire' is also the polite, formal command for 'you' (usted), meaning 'Throw!' or 'Toss!'
⭐ Usage Tips
Tirar vs. Lanzar
Use tirar for casual throwing or discarding, and lanzar for more deliberate or forceful launching (like missiles or rockets).
Use 'tire' when you need to throw away garbage.
tire(verb)
throw away
?discarding trash
,waste
?wasting money or time
squander
?to waste resources
📝 In Action
No quiero que él tire el resto de la comida.
A2I don't want him to throw away the rest of the food.
Espero que no tire dinero en ese coche viejo.
B1I hope he doesn't waste money on that old car.
💡 Grammar Points
Wasting Money
To say 'to waste money' or 'to waste time,' Spanish often uses tirar as a direct substitute for desperdiciar in everyday speech.
'Tire' can also mean to pull something toward you.
tire(verb)
pull
?to exert force to move something toward oneself
drag
?to pull something heavy
,haul
?to transport by pulling
📝 In Action
Le pido que tire la cuerda con fuerza.
B2I ask that you (formal) pull the rope hard.
Si usted no tire de la manija, la puerta no abre.
B1If you don't pull the handle, the door won't open.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tire
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'tire' as a formal command (telling someone politely to do something)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'tire' have so many different meanings?
The core verb *tirar* is very versatile. It covers any action involving force or quick movement, whether that force is used to push something away ('throw'), to pull something closer ('pull'), or simply to get rid of something ('throw away'). Context is key to figuring out which meaning is intended.
How do I know if 'tire' is a command or a statement?
If 'tire' is used alone or at the start of a sentence, it's usually the polite command ('Usted, throw!'). If it follows a word like *que* (e.g., *que yo tire* or *que él/ella tire*), it's the special form (subjunctive) used to talk about wishes, doubts, or requests.