tira
/ˈtiɾa/
The English phrase "throws" is translated into Spanish as tira.
The word refers to the action of propelling something through the air with force using one's hand. Beyond this physical action, the verb is also commonly used to mean "to throw away" or "to discard" something.
Which one should you use?
While tira is the common term for general throwing, the verb lanzar is often used when the action is more forceful, intentional or formal, such as launching a projectile or throwing a ball in a sports context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form tira can mean either "I throw" or "he/she/it throws" depending on the context of the subject.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtiɾa/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, using tira to mean 'throw' can be ambiguous because the same word can mean 'to pull' or 'to tug', such as in the phrase tira de la cuerda for 'pull the rope'.
- In certain Spanish-speaking contexts, if you say someone tira la casa por la ventana, you are not describing them throwing their house out a window, but rather that they are spending money lavishly.
- The word tira shares an ancient root with the English word 'tear', as both are thought to descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to pull' or 'to stretch'.
Examples in context
- El niño tira una piedra.The boy throws a stone.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use tira to describe throwing a stone.Tatoeba #589028 by Shishir, translation #2805562 by Deerhound
- Ella es tan tacaña que usa la misma bolsita de té tres veces antes de tirarla.She's so cheap that she uses tea bags three times before she throws them away.This sentence shows how tira (in its form tirarla) can be used to mean throwing something away.Tatoeba #642187 by Shishir, translation #640839 by darinmex
- El jugador lanza el balón.The player throws the ball.
- El atleta arroja el disco hacia la meta.The athlete throws the discus towards the target.
- El entrenador arroja la pelota para demostrar la técnica.The coach throws the ball to demonstrate the technique.
- El niño tira la pelota al aire.The kid throws the ball in the air.
- Lanza el plátano y trata de atraparlo.Throw the banana and try to catch it.
- La niña avienta el objeto hacia el agua.The girl throws the object into the water.
- Avienta el hueso al perro.Throw the bone to the dog.
- Él tira la basura al contenedor.He throws the trash into the bin.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are at a park watching a child play.
- Sofía¿Viste qué bien tira la pelota el niño?Did you see how well the boy throws the ball?
- JavierSí, tiene mucha fuerza en los brazos.Yes, he has a lot of strength in his arms.
- SofíaJavier, mira cómo la lanza muy lejos.Javier, look how he throws it very far.
- JavierEs impresionante para su edad.It is impressive for his age.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tira, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tira, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
