Inklingo

How to Say "throws" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tira

TEE-rah/ˈti.ɾa/

verbA1informal
Use 'tira' when referring to the general act of throwing an object, often in a casual or repetitive way, like throwing a ball for a dog.
A simple illustration of a child vigorously throwing a bright red ball forward.

Examples

Ella siempre tira la pelota para que el perro corra.

She always throws the ball so the dog can run.

¡Tira esa botella a la basura!

Throw that bottle in the trash!

El motor tira mucho humo cuando arranca.

The engine gives off a lot of smoke when it starts.

Imperative Form

The word 'tira' is the command form for 'tú' (you, informal). Use it when telling a friend to throw or pull something: '¡Tira la puerta!' (Pull the door!).

Throwing vs. Taking Off

Mistake: “Using 'tirar' when you mean 'to take off' clothes (Quiero tirar mi chaqueta).”

Correction: Use 'quitarse' or 'sacarse' for clothes. 'Quiero quitarme mi chaqueta.' (I want to take off my jacket).

lanza

LAHN-sah/ˈlanθa/ (Spain) /s/ / (Latin America)

verbA2
Use 'lanza' for the present tense of 'he/she/it throws', often implying a more forceful or directed throw.
An illustration showing a solid red ball flying rapidly through the air, depicting the action of throwing.

Examples

Ella lanza la pelota muy alto.

She throws the ball very high.

La empresa lanza su nueva aplicación mañana.

The company launches its new application tomorrow.

¡Lanza el anzuelo al agua!

Throw the hook into the water!

The Z-C Spelling Rule

To keep the 'z' sound consistent in Spanish, the letter 'z' must change to 'c' whenever it is followed by the vowel 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' preterite ('lancé') and the entire present subjunctive (e.g., 'que yo lance').

echa

EH-chah/ˈe.tʃa/

verbA2
Use 'echa' when the action is more about casting or throwing something into a place, such as casting a net into the sea or throwing dice.
A child enthusiastically throwing a bright blue ball high into the air against a simple background.

Examples

El pescador echa la red al mar.

The fisherman casts the net into the sea.

Ella echa una piedra al río.

She throws a stone into the river.

Tira vs. Lanza for general throwing

Learners often confuse 'tira' and 'lanza' for the general act of throwing. While both can work, 'tira' is more common for everyday, casual throwing (like for a pet), whereas 'lanza' can sometimes imply more force or a specific direction.

Related Translations

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