Echar is a verb in Spanish.
The phonetic transcription of echar in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /eˈt͡ʃaɾ/.
The verb echar primarily means "to throw" or "to cast." It is widely used in both spoken and written contexts, with a slight preference for informal scenarios, given its versatile application in everyday speech such as "echar de menos" (to miss) or "echar un vistazo" (to take a look).
Frequency of Use: High; it appears regularly in daily conversations, colloquial idioms, and various contexts, including legal and American colloquialisms.
Echar la basura es una tarea que todos debiéramos hacer.
Throwing out the trash is a chore we all should do.
No olvides echar sal a la comida antes de cocinar.
Don't forget to add salt to the food before cooking.
El profesor decidió echar a los estudiantes que no estaban prestando atención.
The teacher decided to kick out the students who were not paying attention.
Echar appears in various idiomatic expressions, reflecting its diverse usage in the Spanish language:
Echar de menos
To miss somebody/something
Ejemplo: Siempre echo de menos a mi familia cuando estoy lejos.
I always miss my family when I'm away.
Echar un vistazo
To take a look
Ejemplo: Voy a echar un vistazo a la tienda antes de decidir.
I am going to take a look at the store before deciding.
Echar la culpa
To blame
Ejemplo: No debes echar la culpa a los demás por tus errores.
You shouldn't blame others for your mistakes.
Echar raíces
To settle or take root
Ejemplo: Después de tantos años, finalmente echaron raíces en esta ciudad.
After so many years, they finally settled down in this city.
Echar un cable
To lend a hand
Ejemplo: Si necesitas ayuda, puedo echarte un cable.
If you need help, I can lend you a hand.
The word echar comes from the Latin iacere, which means "to throw." Over time, it evolved through Old Spanish, preserving its fundamental meaning while expanding its usage.