Inklingo

How to Say "to launch" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to launch” is “iniciar” — use 'iniciar' when referring to the start or beginning of something, like a meeting, project, or campaign, emphasizing the act of commencing..

English → Spanish

iniciar

ee-nee-SYAR/i.niˈsjar/

verbA1general
Use 'iniciar' when referring to the start or beginning of something, like a meeting, project, or campaign, emphasizing the act of commencing.
A runner in colorful attire poised at a starting line on a bright track, ready to spring forward, symbolizing the beginning of a race.

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-BREER/aˈβɾiɾ/

verbB1general
Choose 'abrir' when you mean to open something in a physical or figurative sense, such as a new store, a discussion, or a new chapter.
A clear dirt path begins at the edge of a meadow and leads into a bright, untouched forest.

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.

ejecutar

/eh-heh-koo-TAR//exeˈku.taɾ/

verbB1technical
Use 'ejecutar' specifically when launching or running a computer program, application, or a digital file.
A glowing computer screen showing a large colorful play button symbol.

Examples

Haz doble clic para ejecutar el archivo.

Double-click to run the file.

liberar

/lee-beh-RAHR//liβeˈɾaɾ/

verbB1general
Employ 'liberar' when referring to the release of something new to the public, such as a movie, album, book, or official results.
A person's hand gently releasing a brightly colored red balloon into the open air, symbolizing the act of releasing.

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.

Iniciiar vs. Abrir

Learners often confuse 'iniciar' and 'abrir' because both can mean 'to start.' Remember that 'iniciar' is more about commencing an action or process, while 'abrir' often implies opening something new or making something accessible.

Related Translations

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