How to Say "to launch" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to launch” is “iniciar” — use 'iniciar' when starting a project, meeting, or general activity, similar to 'to begin' or 'to start'.
iniciar
ee-nee-SYARi.niˈsjar
Examples
Necesitamos iniciar la reunión a las diez en punto.
We need to start the meeting exactly at ten o'clock.
El presidente inició una nueva investigación sobre el caso.
The president began a new investigation into the case.
Transitive Use
When you use 'iniciar' in this way, it always needs to 'start' something directly. For example, 'iniciar el coche' (start the car).
Confusing Start/Begin
Mistake: “La clase inicia a las tres.”
Correction: La clase empieza a las tres. ('Empezar' or 'comenzar' are usually better when the subject starts by itself, like a class or a movie.)
abrir
ah-BREERaˈβɾiɾ
Examples
Van a abrir una nueva tienda de café en mi barrio.
They are going to open a new coffee shop in my neighborhood.
El presidente abrió el debate con una declaración.
The president opened (started) the debate with a declaration.
introducir
een-tro-doo-SEERintɾoduˈsiɾ
Examples
La empresa quiere introducir un nuevo modelo de negocio.
The company wants to bring in a new business model.
El gobierno ha introducido nuevas leyes ambientales.
The government has implemented new environmental laws.
El autor introduce un tema polémico al final del libro.
The author introduces a controversial topic at the end of the book.
Abstract Use
Use this meaning when you are moving an idea from 'not existing' to 'existing' in a group or system.
ejecutar
eh-heh-koo-TARexeˈku.taɾ
Examples
Haz doble clic para ejecutar el archivo.
Double-click to run the file.
liberar
lee-beh-RAHRliβeˈɾaɾ
Examples
La farmacéutica liberó los resultados de los ensayos clínicos.
The pharmaceutical company released the results of the clinical trials.
El volcán liberó una gran cantidad de ceniza a la atmósfera.
The volcano released a large amount of ash into the atmosphere.
Por fin van a liberar la nueva versión del juego.
They are finally going to release the new version of the game.
Using the Future Tense
When talking about planned releases (products, movies), the simple future tense ('liberará') or the immediate future ('va a liberar') are both very common.
disparar
dis-pah-RAHRdis.paˈɾaɾ
Examples
El cazador tuvo que disparar dos veces.
The hunter had to shoot twice.
No puedes disparar un arma sin permiso.
You cannot fire a weapon without permission.
Direct Action Verb
In this sense, 'disparar' is a transitive verb, meaning it needs a direct object (the thing being shot), like 'disparar la flecha' (to shoot the arrow).
Confusing 'Disparar' and 'Lanzar'
Mistake: “Using 'disparar' for throwing something by hand (e.g., 'disparar una pelota').”
Correction: Use 'lanzar' or 'tirar' for throwing by hand. 'Disparar' implies a mechanical force or rapid propulsion, usually from a device.
zarpar
sar-PARθarˈpaɾ
Examples
Zarpamos hacia una nueva aventura empresarial.
We are embarking on a new business adventure.
Metaphorical use
You can use this word to describe starting something big, like a marriage or a business, to give it a poetic feel.
Starting vs. Releasing
Related Translations
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