Inklingo

How to Say "launch" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “launch” is “lanzar” — use 'lanzar' when the action is to actively throw, propel, or introduce something, like a product, campaign, or even a physical object.

lanzar🔊B1

Use 'lanzar' when the action is to actively throw, propel, or introduce something, like a product, campaign, or even a physical object.

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lanzamiento🔊B1

Use 'lanzamiento' to refer to the noun form of 'lanzar,' specifically the act or event of introducing a new product, campaign, or initiative.

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inicio🔊A1

Use 'inicio' for the general start or beginning of any project, mission, or event.

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apertura🔊A2

Use 'apertura' when referring to the official opening or start of something formal, like a new business, season, or exhibition.

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despegue🔊B2

Use 'despegue' to describe the successful start or rapid growth of a project, career, or economy, akin to an airplane taking off.

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abran🔊B1

Use 'abran' (the subjunctive form of 'abrir') when you want to say 'that they open' or 'that they start' something, often in a context of suggestion or command.

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lancha🔊A2

Use 'lancha' when referring to a specific type of boat: a motorboat, often used for transport or recreation.

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English → Spanish

lanzar

lahn-ZAHRlanˈθaɾ

verbB1General
Use 'lanzar' when the action is to actively throw, propel, or introduce something, like a product, campaign, or even a physical object.
A colorful, stylized rocket lifting off from a launchpad, surrounded by clouds of smoke.

Examples

La compañía va a lanzar su nuevo teléfono el próximo mes.

The company is going to launch its new phone next month.

El cohete se lanzó sin problemas desde la base.

The rocket launched without problems from the base.

lanzamiento

lan-sah-MYEN-tohlanθaˈmjento

nounB1General
Use 'lanzamiento' to refer to the noun form of 'lanzar,' specifically the act or event of introducing a new product, campaign, or initiative.
A spotlight shines on a pedestal on a stage where a new product is being dramatically revealed, symbolizing a launch event.

Examples

El lanzamiento del nuevo teléfono fue un éxito total.

The launch of the new phone was a total success.

Esperamos el lanzamiento del libro para la próxima semana.

We are waiting for the book's release next week.

La empresa anunció el lanzamiento de una nueva campaña publicitaria.

The company announced the rollout of a new advertising campaign.

El lanzamiento de la piedra fue muy potente.

The throw of the stone was very powerful.

Use with 'de'

When talking about what is being launched, use the preposition 'de' (of): 'lanzamiento del producto', not 'lanzamiento el producto'.

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).

Using 'lanzar' instead of 'lanzamiento'

Mistake: “Hacer un lanzar (literally: to make a to launch)”

Correction: Use the noun: 'Hacer un lanzamiento' (to do a launch) or the verb 'lanzar' (to launch) directly.

inicio

ee-NEE-seeohiˈnisjo

nounA1General
Use 'inicio' for the general start or beginning of any project, mission, or event.
A simple dirt path with a bright red ribbon stretched across it, snapped cleanly in the middle, signifying the start of a race or journey.

Examples

El inicio de la película fue muy emocionante.

The start of the movie was very exciting.

Necesitas hacer clic en el botón de inicio.

You need to click on the Start button (or Home button).

Desde el inicio del proyecto, tuvimos problemas.

From the beginning of the project, we had problems.

Masculine Noun

'Inicio' is always a masculine noun, so you use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el inicio' (the start).

Using 'la' instead of 'el'

Mistake: “La inicio de la reunión.”

Correction: El inicio de la reunión. Remember, it’s a masculine word.

apertura

ah-per-TOO-rahapeɾˈtuɾa

nounA2Formal
Use 'apertura' when referring to the official opening or start of something formal, like a new business, season, or exhibition.
A colorful storefront with a bright red ribbon stretched across the entrance, ready to be cut.

Examples

La apertura de la nueva tienda será el próximo lunes.

The opening of the new store will be next Monday.

Asistimos a la ceremonia de apertura de los Juegos Olímpicos.

We attended the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.

La apertura del curso escolar es en septiembre.

The start of the school year is in September.

Always Feminine

Even though it starts with an 'a', you still say 'la apertura'. Unlike words like 'agua', the stress is on the 'tu', not the first 'a', so the article doesn't change.

Apertura vs. Abrir

Mistake: “La apertura de la puerta fue difícil.”

Correction: La acción de abrir la puerta fue difícil.

despegue

des-PAY-gaydesˈpeɣe

nounB2Figurative/General
Use 'despegue' to describe the successful start or rapid growth of a project, career, or economy, akin to an airplane taking off.
A small green sprout growing out of a pile of rich brown soil.

Examples

El despegue económico del país fue impresionante.

The country's economic surge was impressive.

Esta canción supuso el despegue de su carrera musical.

This song marked the launch of her musical career.

abran

AH-brahnˈaβɾan

verb (Conjugated Form)B1General
Use 'abran' (the subjunctive form of 'abrir') when you want to say 'that they open' or 'that they start' something, often in a context of suggestion or command.
A cheerful illustration of a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a small, newly constructed building, symbolizing the launch of a new business.

Examples

El director sugirió que abran un debate sobre el tema.

The director suggested that they start a debate on the topic.

Es urgente que abran las inscripciones para la conferencia.

It is urgent that they open the registrations for the conference.

Figurative Use

Just like in English, 'to open' can mean 'to start.' When used this way (e.g., 'abrir un negocio'), it almost always requires the special verb form ('abran') because it involves a desire, request, or uncertainty about the action.

lancha

LAHN-chahˈlantʃa

nounA2General
Use 'lancha' when referring to a specific type of boat: a motorboat, often used for transport or recreation.
A small, colorful motorboat floating on calm blue water with a small engine at the back.

Examples

Queremos alquilar una lancha para ir a la isla.

We want to rent a motorboat to go to the island.

La lancha cruzó el lago rápidamente.

The boat crossed the lake quickly.

El pescador subió sus redes a la lancha.

The fisherman put his nets onto the boat.

It's a Feminine Word

Even though it doesn't refer to a person, 'lancha' is feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it, and make sure adjectives match: 'la lancha pequeña' (the small boat).

Lancha vs. Barco

Use 'lancha' for small, motorized boats you might see at a lake or beach. Use 'barco' for larger ships or vessels. If it's small and has a motor, 'lancha' is your best bet!

The Wrong Gender

Mistake: “El lancha es rápido.”

Correction: La lancha es rápida. Remember that 'lancha' is feminine, so both the article (la) and the description (rápida) must end in 'a'.

Confusing 'launch' as an action vs. an event

Learners often confuse the verb 'lanzar' (to launch) with the noun 'lanzamiento' (the launch). Remember, 'lanzar' is the action of doing it, while 'lanzamiento' is the event or the thing itself. Also, be careful not to confuse 'lanzamiento' with 'inicio' or 'apertura', which are more general terms for starting.

Related Translations

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