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How to Say "hurl" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “hurl” is “lanzar” — use 'lanzar' when referring to the general action of throwing something with great force, especially in a context where the focus is on the act of throwing itself..

English → Spanish

lanzar

lahn-ZAHR/lanˈθaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'lanzar' when referring to the general action of throwing something with great force, especially in a context where the focus is on the act of throwing itself.
A young person with a determined expression throwing a bright red ball high into the air.

Examples

El atleta lanzó el disco con gran fuerza.

The athlete hurled the discus with great force.

El niño lanzó la pelota muy lejos.

The boy threw the ball very far.

Tenemos que lanzar el ancla antes de que empiece la tormenta.

We have to drop the anchor before the storm begins.

Spelling Change Rule (C to Z)

To keep the 's' sound consistent, 'lanzar' changes the 'z' to a 'c' whenever it is followed by the vowel 'e'. This only happens in the 'yo' form of the past simple (lancé) and in the special forms used for wishes and commands (subjunctive).

lanzó

lan-SOH/lanˈθo/

verbA1general
This is the preterite (past tense) form of 'lanzar', used when describing a completed action of hurling something in the past.
A young child standing outdoors, having just thrown a bright red ball that is now flying through the air.

Examples

El lanzador lanzó la bola de fuego a través del campo.

The pitcher hurled the fireball across the field.

El niño lanzó la pelota al perro.

The boy threw the ball to the dog.

Ella no se dio cuenta y lanzó el teléfono a la piscina.

She didn't realize and tossed the phone into the pool.

El presidente lanzó un nuevo programa de becas la semana pasada.

The president launched a new scholarship program last week.

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.

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.

lanzamiento

/lan-sah-MYEN-toh//lanθaˈmjento/

nounA2general
Use 'lanzamiento' when you want to refer to the act or event of a vigorous throw as a thing, often in sports contexts or when describing a specific throw.
A figure is captured in the motion of throwing a small object, showing the physical act of tossing.

Examples

El lanzamiento de jabalina requiere mucha técnica.

The javelin throw requires a lot of technique.

El lanzamiento de la piedra fue muy potente.

The throw of the stone was very powerful.

Vimos el lanzamiento del cohete en la televisión.

We watched the rocket launch on television.

The verb 'lanzar'

Remember that 'lanzamiento' is the action (the noun). The verb is 'lanzar' ('to throw' or 'to launch'): 'Él lanza la pelota' (He throws the ball).

tirar

verbA1informal
Choose 'tirar' when you want to express throwing something forcefully, often in a more informal or everyday context, or when giving a command.

Examples

¡Tira la basura en el contenedor!

Hurl the trash in the bin!

Verb vs. Noun Confusion

The most common mistake is using the noun 'lanzamiento' when you actually mean the action of the verb. Remember, 'lanzar' (and its forms like 'lanzó') or 'tirar' are verbs for the act of hurling, while 'lanzamiento' refers to the throw itself as an event or result.

Related Translations

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