Inklingo

How to Say "throwing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tirando

/tee-RAHN-doh//tiˈɾando/

Verb (Gerund)A2General
Use 'tirando' when describing the ongoing physical action of launching or propelling an object through the air, often with some force or distance.
A young child standing in a sunny park, mid-action, using their arm to launch a bright red ball high into the air.

Examples

El atleta está tirando la jabalina muy lejos.

The athlete is throwing the javelin very far.

El jardinero está tirando las semillas en la tierra.

The gardener is throwing the seeds onto the soil.

Están tirando abajo el viejo edificio para construir uno nuevo.

They are pulling down (demolishing) the old building to build a new one.

¿Por qué estás tirando basura al suelo?

Why are you throwing garbage on the floor?

Forming the Progressive Tense

To show an action is happening right now, you use a form of 'estar' (to be) plus 'tirando': 'Estoy tirando' (I am throwing).

echando

/eh-CHAHN-doh//eˈtʃan.do/

VerbA1General
Use 'echando' for a more general, often lighter, physical action of tossing something, which can sometimes imply discarding or putting something out.
A storybook illustration of a child throwing a red ball upwards with force.

Examples

Ella está echando la basura en el contenedor.

She is throwing the trash in the bin.

El niño está echando piedras al río.

The boy is throwing stones into the river.

Están echando la red para pescar en el mar.

They are casting the net to fish in the sea.

Continuous Action

The '-ando' ending means the action is ongoing. When you say 'estoy echando,' it means the throwing or tossing is happening right now.

Confusing 'echar' and 'tirar'

Mistake: “Using 'echar' when you mean 'to throw away' trash, which usually requires 'tirar'.”

Correction: Use 'tirar' for garbage ('tirar la basura'), and 'echar' for throwing something toward a target.

Tirando vs. Echando

Learners often confuse 'tirando' and 'echando' because both can mean 'throwing'. Remember that 'tirando' usually implies a more forceful launch or projection, while 'echando' is often for a simpler toss or discarding action.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.