lance
/lɑ̃s/
The English phrase "throws" is translated into French as lance.
The verb is used to describe the action of propelling something through the air with a rapid movement of the arm. It often implies a sense of control or direction in the movement.
Which one should you use?
In French, there is a distinction between different types of throwing. The verb lancer is typically used for controlled, directed throws, such as a pitch in sports or throwing a projectile at a target. In contrast, the verb jeter is more common when someone throws something carelessly or is discarding an object.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form lance is the third-person singular present indicative of the verb lancer. Note that the first-person singular (lance), second-person singular (lances) and third-person singular (lance) forms are pronounced identically.
How do you pronounce it?
/lɑ̃s/
Did you know?
- The verb lancer can be used reflexively as se lancer to mean 'to take the plunge' or dare to do something. It describes the mental act of throwing oneself into a new challenge.
- The word lance shares its origin with the English word 'lance', referring to a long spear used in historical combat.
- The verb lancer is used in the expression lancer une rumeur to describe the act of 'throwing' or spreading a rumor.
Examples in context
- Elle lance.She throws.This sentence shows the third-person singular use of lance.Tatoeba #9950827 by Micsmithel, translation #9852198 by NurseMeeks
- Au baseball, le lanceur est le joueur qui lance la balle.In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throws the ball.This sentence uses lance in the context of a baseball pitcher.Tatoeba #8977130 by lbdx, translation #682185 by Source_VOA
- Le garçon lance une pierre.The boy throws a stone.This sentence demonstrates the action of throwing an object using lance.Tatoeba #587922 by Pharamp, translation #2805562 by Deerhound
- Elle jette le ballon vers son coéquipier.She throws the ball to her teammate.
- Il balance le paquet de bonbons.He throws the candy pack.
- Elle lance son sac sur le sol.She throws her bag on the ground.
- Je jette un caillou.I throw a stone.
- Tu jettes une balle.You throw a ball.
- Il/Elle jette le livre.He/She throws the book.
- Il jette le ballon avec force.He throws the ball forcefully.
- Elle balance les clés négligemment.She casually throws the keys.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are playing fetch with a dog in the park.
- ChloéRegarde comment le chien court quand Hugo lance la balle !Look how the dog runs when Hugo throws the ball!
- HugoOui, il adore ça.Yes, he loves it.
- ChloéC'est à toi de lancer maintenant.It is your turn to throw now.
- HugoD'accord, je lance très loin !Okay, I am throwing it very far!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lance, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lance, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
