Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| lanzar | /lanˈθaɾ/ /lanˈsaɾ/ |
| publicar | /publiˈkaɾ/ |
| soltar | /solˈtaɾ/ |
| librar | /liˈbɾaɾ/ |
The verb used for 'release' depends entirely on what is being made available or set free. Use lanzar for marketing and media contexts like products or albums. Use publicar specifically for written content or social media posts. Use soltar for the physical act of letting go of an object or a living creature. Use librar for abstract or legal contexts, such as freeing someone from a burden or a legal obligation. If you are speaking about biochemistry, the noun liberación or emisión is used to describe the release of energy, chemicals or gases. If you are referring to a device that holds or releases a mechanism, use the noun disparador.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the nature of the release: lanzar is used for launching products or media. publicar is for publishing written works. soltar is for physical release. And librar is for freeing someone from a danger or obligation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, lanzar can be used as an alternative to liberar or publicar to mean release. In Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Argentina, the word sacar can be used to mean release in certain contexts.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/lanˈθaɾ/
Did you know?
- While soltar means to release or let go, it is also used in slang to describe the act of accidentally blurting out a secret.
- The verb lanzar, used for the release of a product, shares its history with the English word 'launch' and is rooted in the Latin word for 'spear'.
- In some Spanish speaking countries, using sacar to release a song or album is often more common in casual conversation than using lanzar.
Examples in context
- ¡Prepárense para mi nuevo sencillo que voy a lanzar esta noche!Get ready for my new single that I'm going to release tonight!This sentence uses lanzar to announce the release of a music single.Tatoeba #9071833 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9071839 by rafaeldejesus8199
- El niño llevaba una babosa en una caja para soltarla en el parque.The boy carried a slug in a box to release it in the park.This sentence uses soltar regarding the physical release of a slug.Tatoeba #9013315 by Shishir, translation #9013407 by carlosalberto
- La editorial va a publicar el libro el próximo mesThe publishing company will release the book next month
- El banco va a emitir los estados de cuenta mañanaThe bank will release the bank statements tomorrow
- Necesito soltar mi enojoI need to release my anger
- Es hora de dejar ir el pasadoIt's time to let go of the past
- Deja ir tu tristeza y sonríeLet go of your sadness and smile
- Despréndete del volante un momentoRelease the steering wheel for a moment
- Es difícil desprenderse del miedoIt's hard to release fear
- La compañía va a lanzar un nuevo productoThe company will release a new product
- El artista va a sacar un nuevo álbumThe artist will release a new album
- Van a lanzar una nueva película este verano.They are going to release a new movie this summer.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are talking about a film festival.
- Alejandro¿Cuándo van a lanzar su nuevo documental?When are they going to release their new documentary?
- ElenaDicen que lo van a lanzar en mayo.They say they are going to release it in May.
- AlejandroElena, espero que sea un éxito.Elena, I hope it is a success.
- ElenaYo también lo espero, Alejandro.I hope so too, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “release” translations and entries lanzar, publicar, soltar, librar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lanzar, librar, publicar, soltar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
