How do you say throw in Spanish?

The most common verb is lanzar (lahn-SAHR), with tirar as a casual alternative and arrojar for a more forceful throw.

Does tirar mean throw or pull?

Tirar can mean either throw or pull depending on the region and context — in Spain it often means both, while in Latin America it usually means to throw or discard.

How do you say 'throw a party' in Spanish?

Throwing a party is hacer una fiesta or dar una fiesta in Spanish, not lanzar una fiesta, since the phrase uses a different verb entirely.

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

How to Say Throw in Spanish: Lanzar

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

Lanzar · verb · lahn-SAHR

Throw in Spanish is lanzar, a versatile verb meaning to throw, launch, or toss. Tirar is a casual synonym that can also mean to pull or discard depending on the region. Arrojar implies a more forceful throw.

Lanzar is pronounced lahn-SAHR, with the stress on the last syllable. It is a regular -ar verb in most tenses.

El pitcher lanzó la pelota con toda su fuerza.

The pitcher threw the ball with all his strength.

Throw in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for throw, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
lanzar	throw	lahn-SAHR	Default, widely understood
tirar	throw		casual, also means to pull or throw away
arrojar	throw		more forceful throw, also means to hurl

How Native Speakers Use Lanzar

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Playing catch

Lánzame la pelota y yo la atrapo.

Throw me the ball and I'll catch it.

Playing a game of catch in the backyard.

Discarding items

Tira esos papeles viejos a la basura.

Throw those old papers in the trash.

Asking someone to dispose of clutter using the informal verb tirar.

Dramatic gesture

Arrojó las llaves sobre la mesa con frustración.

He threw the keys onto the table in frustration.

Describing an emotional reaction in a narrative.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Lanzar

Using tirar ambiguously

Incorrect: Tira la puerta. (intending 'throw the door')

Correct: Cierra la puerta. / Tira de la puerta.

In some regions tirar means to pull, not throw. Tirar de la puerta means 'pull the door,' while without de, it could mean 'throw' or 'discard.'

Forgetting the spelling change

Incorrect: Yo lanzo la pelota ayer.

Correct: Yo lancé la pelota ayer.

In the preterite tense, lanzar changes z to c before e, becoming lancé in the first person singular.

Lock in Throw Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Lanzar used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using lanzar in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El pitcher lanzó la pelota con toda su fuerza. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

Save, review, repeat, stay consistent

Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.

Common Questions About Throw in Spanish

How do you say throw in Spanish?: The most common verb is lanzar (lahn-SAHR), with tirar as a casual alternative and arrojar for a more forceful throw.
Does tirar mean throw or pull?: Tirar can mean either throw or pull depending on the region and context — in Spain it often means both, while in Latin America it usually means to throw or discard.
How do you say 'throw a party' in Spanish?: Throwing a party is hacer una fiesta or dar una fiesta in Spanish, not lanzar una fiesta, since the phrase uses a different verb entirely.