Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| tirar | /tiˈɾaɾ/ |
| lanzar | /lanˈθaɾ/ /lanˈsaɾ/ |
| arrojar | /aroˈxaɾ/ |
| despeñar | /despeˈɲaɾ/ |
| desbarrancar | /desbaranˈkaɾ/ |
| desgalgar | /desɡalɡaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| aventar | /abenˈtaɾ/ |
To cause an object to move rapidly through the air, you can use several different verbs depending on the nuance of the action. While tirar is a generic term for throwing, lanzar is used when the focus is on the precision, force or the act of launching an object. There are also highly specific verbs: despeñar is used specifically for throwing or falling down a cliff.
Which one should you use?
The choice of verb depends on the intent and the setting. Lanzar emphasizes the act of launching or throwing with intent and precision. Tirar is the most generic option, but it can also mean 'to throw away' (to discard) or 'to pull' depending on the context. For a more forceful or violent throw, use arrojar. If you are specifically talking about throwing something down a cliff or precipice, use despeñar.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Arrojar is a formal or literary verb often found in writing to describe hurling something with force.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Be careful with the reflexive form tirarse. Using this changes the meaning from throwing an object to throwing oneself, such as jumping or diving into something. The noun lanzamiento refers to the flight of a thrown object.
How do you pronounce it?
/tiˈɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- Spanish has specialized verbs like desbarrancar and desgalgar that describe throwing something specifically into a ravine or off a slope.
- The verb lanzar shares its DNA with the English word 'launch', as both come from a word meaning 'spear'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, tirar is used to mean 'to pull', which is the exact opposite of 'to throw'.
Examples in context
- ¿Se cayó, se tiró o lo tiraron?Did he fall, throw himself or was he thrown?This sentence helps distinguish between falling, throwing oneself or being thrown using tirar.Tatoeba #2505003 by wallebot, translation #12681659 by carlosalberto
- ¿Puedes lanzar una bola rápida?Can you throw a fastball?This sentence shows the use of lanzar in the context of throwing a ball.Tatoeba #3959738 by senryakun, translation #15926 by CK
- Tom quiere tirar todas estas cosas.Tom wants to throw all this stuff away.This sentence demonstrates how tirar can mean to throw things away.Tatoeba #8622723 by cueyayotl, translation #6430202 by CK
- Necesito lanzar la pelota lo más lejos posible.I need to throw the ball as far as possible.
- Por favor, tira la basura en el contenedor adecuado.Please throw the garbage in the proper container.
- Tira ese papel al basurero.Throw that paper in the trash.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are playing in the park.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿puedes tirar la pelota?Daniel, can you throw the ball?
- DanielSí, la voy a tirar ahora.Yes, I am going to throw it now.
- Lucía¡Qué bien la tiraste!You threw it so well!
- DanielGracias, Lucía.Thanks, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “throw” translations and entries tirar, lanzar, arrojar, despeñar, desbarrancar, aventar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arrojar, despeñar, lanzar, tirar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
