Inklingo

How to Say "you throw" in Spanish

English → Spanish

echas

EH-chas/ˈe.t͡ʃas/

Verb (Conjugated Form)A1General
Use 'echas' for the physical action of tossing or putting something somewhere, often implying a simple placement or disposal.
A simplified illustration of a person standing, mid-motion, throwing a red ball high into the air.

Examples

¿Por qué echas la basura al suelo?

Why are you throwing the trash on the floor?

Tú echas una sombra muy grande cuando el sol está bajo.

You cast a very big shadow when the sun is low.

The 'Tú' Form

This word is always used when you are talking directly to one person informally (like saying 'you' to a friend or child).

tiras

TEE-rahs/ˈtiɾas/

VerbA1General
Use 'tiras' when the action of throwing is more forceful or implies discarding something, often with a sense of carelessness or away from its proper place.
A colorful illustration showing a young person standing outdoors, mid-action, throwing a bright red ball high into the air.

Examples

¿Por qué tiras la basura aquí? Hay un bote.

Why are you throwing the trash here? There's a can.

Si tiras muy fuerte de la cuerda, se va a romper.

If you pull the rope too hard, it's going to break.

Tú tiras el dinero en cosas inútiles.

You waste money on useless things.

Using 'Tú' vs. 'Usted'

'Tiras' is only used when you are speaking directly to one person in an informal way (like a friend or child). For formal situations, use 'Usted tira'.

Confusing 'Echar' and 'Tirar'

Learners often confuse 'echar' and 'tirar' because both can mean 'to throw' or 'to toss.' The key difference is that 'echar' is more general for putting something somewhere, while 'tirar' often implies a more deliberate act of discarding or tossing something away, sometimes carelessly.

Related Translations

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