tirar
Lemma Details
Translation: to throw; to pull; to shoot; to discard; to waste; to draw; to cast; to fire
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Tirar comes from the Vulgar Latin *tirare, which likely originated from a Germanic source related to Old High German ziohan (to pull, draw). This root is also connected to English 'tear' (as in 'to tear away'). The verb has expanded from its original meaning of 'pulling' to include throwing, shooting, and discarding, showing how physical actions can evolve semantically over time.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Tiró la pelota al otro lado del campo.
He threw the ball to the other side of the field.
Tira de la cuerda para abrir la puerta.
Pull the rope to open the door.
El cazador tiró al ciervo pero falló.
The hunter shot at the deer but missed.
No tires la comida, hay gente que pasa hambre.
Don't waste the food, there are people who go hungry.
Tiró todos sus juguetes viejos a la basura.
He threw all his old toys in the trash.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'tirar' as 'to tear away' something from its place (similar sound and related meaning).
- Imagine a 'tear' forming as you pull or throw something away.
- The 'tir' in 'tirar' sounds like the beginning of 'tear' in English.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Tirar is a versatile verb in Spanish with many contextual meanings and idiomatic uses. In some Latin American countries, especially Mexico, 'tirar' can have sexual connotations in certain contexts. The phrase 'tirar la casa por la ventana' (literally 'to throw the house out the window') is a common expression for spending lavishly on a celebration.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'tirar' means 'to throw' or 'to pull', 'mirar' means 'to look at' or 'to watch'. They sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Miré la película anoche.
I watched the movie last night.
Notes: The confusion often happens with beginners due to the similar sound pattern and both being common verbs.
Mnemonic: 'Mirar' contains 'mir' which can remind you of 'mirror' - something you look at.
Explanation: 'Tirar' means to throw or pull, while 'girar' means to turn or rotate. The initial consonant is the main difference in pronunciation.
Notes: Both verbs can involve movement but in different ways - 'tirar' is linear motion while 'girar' is rotational.
Mnemonic: 'Girar' starts with 'g' like 'gyrate' which means to rotate or turn.