tirar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Verb

Phonetic Transcription

• /tiˈɾaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To throw
• To cast
• To toss
• To throw away
• To discard

Meaning and Usage

"Tirar" is a common verb in Spanish that means to throw something or to discard it. It is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, particularly in everyday conversation. The word is often encountered in various contexts such as sports, everyday actions (like throwing trash), and in expressions related to attitude or approach. It is one of the most flexible verbs in the language, appearing in numerous idiomatic expressions.

Example Sentences

1. Voy a tirar la pelota al aire.

2. I am going to throw the ball in the air.

3. No deberías tirar basura en la calle.

4. You shouldn't throw trash on the street.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. Tirar la toalla
2. Translation: To throw in the towel
3. Meaning: To give up or surrender.

4. Example: Después de muchos intentos fallidos, decidió tirar la toalla.

   • After many failed attempts, he decided to throw in the towel.

5. Tirar por la borda

6. Translation: To throw overboard
7. Meaning: To discard; to throw away.

8. Example: No puedes tirar por la borda todo lo que has trabajado.

   • You can't throw overboard everything you have worked for.

9. Tirar de la lengua

10. Translation: To pull someone's tongue
11. Meaning: To get someone to talk, often to extract information.

12. Example: El periodista trató de tirar de la lengua al funcionario.

    • The journalist tried to pull the tongue of the official.

13. Tirar el ancla

14. Translation: To drop anchor
15. Meaning: Refers to stopping, settling, or arriving in a place.
16. Example: Decidimos tirar el ancla en esa hermosa bahía.
    • We decided to drop anchor in that beautiful bay.

Etymology

The word "tirar" comes from the Latin "tira," which means to draw or pull. Over time, the meaning has evolved to encompass the action of throwing, casting, or discarding.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Lanzar (to launch) - Arrojar (to hurl) - Botar (to toss or throw away)

Antonyms: - Recoger (to pick up) - Guardar (to keep) - Conservar (to conserve)

In summary, "tirar" is a versatile verb with broad applications in both casual conversation and idiomatic expressions, reflecting the rich complexity of the Spanish language.