Inklingo

How to Say "thrower" in Spanish

English → Spanish

lanzador

lahn-sah-DORlansaˈðoɾ

nounA2general, sports
Use 'lanzador' when referring to someone who throws in sports like baseball (pitcher), track and field (javelin thrower), or generally someone who propels something with force.
A baseball player in a team uniform standing on a mound, throwing a baseball with motion.

Examples

El lanzador de jabalina se preparó para su intento.

The javelin thrower prepared for his attempt.

El lanzador tiró una bola rápida.

The pitcher threw a fastball.

Es un lanzador de jabalina muy fuerte.

He is a very strong javelin thrower.

El equipo necesita un nuevo lanzador titular.

The team needs a new starting pitcher.

People who do things

In Spanish, adding '-dor' to a verb root (like 'lanzar' - to throw) is a common way to create a word for the person doing that action.

Gender matching

If you are talking about a female pitcher or thrower, simply change the ending to 'lanzadora'.

Confusing with 'Lanzado'

Mistake:Using 'lanzador' to describe a brave person.

Correction: Use 'lanzado' (bold/daring) for personality traits. 'Lanzador' is strictly the person who performs the physical act of throwing.

tirador

tee-rah-DORti.ɾaˈðoɾ

nounB1general, shooting, specific sports
Choose 'tirador' for someone who shoots a weapon (like a rifle or pistol), uses a slingshot, or in some contexts, a person who throws objects with precision or as a general action.
A friendly person standing outdoors, holding a simple wooden slingshot and aiming it toward a brightly colored target.

Examples

El tirador experto dio en el blanco.

The expert shooter hit the bullseye.

El tirador olímpico falló su último disparo.

The Olympic shooter missed his last shot.

Se necesita mucha práctica para ser un buen tirador.

It takes a lot of practice to be a good marksman.

The '-dor' Suffix

The suffix '-dor' is often added to a verb (like 'tirar') to create a noun describing the person or thing that performs the action (like 'shooter').

Mixing up the action and the person

Mistake:Using 'el tiro' (the shot) when you mean 'el tirador' (the shooter).

Correction: 'El tirador es rápido' (The shooter is fast). 'El tiro fue rápido' (The shot was fast).

Sports vs. Shooting Context

Learners often confuse 'lanzador' and 'tirador' because both can involve throwing. Remember 'lanzador' is primarily for sports like baseball or track and field, while 'tirador' is more commonly associated with shooting weapons or precision throwing.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.