Inklingo

How to Say "tossing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tirando

/tee-RAHN-doh//tiˈɾando/

verbA2general
Use 'tirando' when referring to the continuous action of lightly throwing something, like spreading seeds or discarding small items.
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 jardinero está tirando las semillas en la tierra.

The gardener is tossing 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 the act of lightly throwing something, often with a sense of casting or projecting it, like throwing stones or tossing coins.
A storybook illustration of a child throwing a red ball upwards with force.

Examples

El niño está echando piedras al río.

The boy is tossing 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' often implies a continuous or repetitive action of tossing, while 'echando' can be a single instance of casting or projecting something lightly.

Related Translations

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