How to Say "to shoot" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to shoot” is “filmar” — use 'filmar' when referring to the act of recording video footage for a movie, documentary, or other visual media..
Examples
Están filmando un documental sobre la vida marina en el Caribe.
They are filming a documentary about marine life in the Caribbean.
rodar
/roh-dar//roˈðaɾ/
Examples
¿Dónde van a rodar la nueva serie de ciencia ficción?
Where are they going to film the new science fiction series?
La película fue rodada en blanco y negro.
The movie was shot in black and white.
El director está rodando su escena favorita hoy.
The director is shooting his favorite scene today.
Passive Voice with Rodar
This meaning is often used in the passive voice to describe where a film was made: 'La película fue rodada en Madrid' (The movie was filmed in Madrid).
Using 'Disparar'
Mistake: “Using 'disparar' (to shoot a gun) for filming.”
Correction: Always use 'rodar' or 'filmar' when talking about cameras and movies, not 'disparar'.
tirar
/tee-RAHR//tiˈɾaɾ/
Examples
El cazador tuvo que tirar para defenderse.
The hunter had to shoot to defend himself.
¿Puedes tirarme una foto con mi teléfono?
Can you take a picture of me with my phone?
El ladrón tiró al aire para asustarlos.
The thief shot into the air to scare them.
Photo Usage
In many regions, 'tomar una foto' or 'sacar una foto' is more universally understood for taking pictures, but 'tirar una foto' is very common in places like Mexico and Central America.
Filming vs. Discharging a Weapon
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