lanzar
/lanˈθaɾ/
The English phrase 'launch' is translated into Spanish as lanzar.
The verb lanzar is used to mean sending something out, starting a career, setting something in motion or putting a process into operation. It can be used for abstract concepts like starting a campaign or a newspaper, but it also carries the literal meaning of throwing an object.
Meaning: send out, start on a career, set going, give a start to, put in operation (verb)
Which one should you use?
While lanzar is used for launching products or campaigns, it is also the standard word for the physical act of throwing something.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular preterite (past tense) form is lanzó, meaning 'he/she/it launched'. The gerund form, used for the continuous action of 'launching', is lanzando.
How do you pronounce it?
/lanˈθaɾ/
Did you know?
- While lanzar means 'to launch', the Spanish phrase lanzarse used as a reflexive verb can mean 'to dive' or 'to take a leap of faith' into a new situation.
- The Spanish verb lanzar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'launch' through the Latin word for a 'spear'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, a person might say they are lanzando a comment, which can imply they are 'throwing' or 'dropping' a remark into a conversation rather than just making one.
Examples in context
- Nuestra escuela lanzará un diario.Our school will launch a newspaper.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use lanzar when talking about the start of a publication.Tatoeba #1272450 by hayastan, translation #9011981 by jaydenms
- El lanzamiento de nuestro nuevo producto será en enero.The launch of our new product will be in January.
- Estamos trabajando en la puesta en marcha de un programa de entrenamiento.We are working on the launch of a training program.
- El inicio del programa de instalación tomará unos minutos.The launch of the installation program will take a few minutes.
- ¡Estamos a punto de sacar al mercado nuestro álbum debut!We're about to launch our debut album!
- Vamos a lanzar al mercado nuestro nuevo perfume.We are going to launch our new perfume.
- Mañana daremos inicio a las celebraciones del aniversario.Tomorrow we'll kick off the anniversary celebrations.
- Van a lanzar un nuevo producto mañana.They are going to launch a new product tomorrow.
- El director quiere lanzar una campaña publicitaria.The director wants to launch an advertising campaign.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a business project at a cafe.
- Javier¿Cuándo planean lanzar el proyecto?When do you plan to launch the project?
- ElenaQueremos lanzar todo el próximo mes.We want to launch everything next month.
- JavierEs un plan muy ambicioso, Elena.It is a very ambitious plan, Elena.
- ElenaSí, pero estoy muy emocionada.Yes, but I am very excited.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lanzar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lanzar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
