Translation guide
The English verb 'throw' covers many actions. This guide organizes the most common meanings for learners, from physically launching an object to causing a state, hosting events, and more. Each section gives natural Japanese expressions with examples.
To send something flying from your hand, often with force.
The most common and general verb for throwing something. Used for balls, stones, and many objects.
彼はボールを投げた。
He threw the ball.
犬に棒を投げてください。
Please throw the stick for the dog.
More casual than 投げる, often implies tossing or flinging something carelessly. Can also mean to leave something undone.
その本をそこに放っておいて。
Just throw the book over there.
Formal or literary. Often used in set phrases like 身を投じる (throw oneself into) or 一石を投じる (throw a stone, i.e., raise a question).
彼は政治の世界に身を投じた。
He threw himself into the world of politics.
To get rid of something by putting it in the trash or abandoning it.
The standard verb for throwing something away or discarding it.
このゴミを捨ててください。
Please throw away this trash.
古い新聞を捨てた。
I threw away the old newspapers.
Literally 'throw and discard', emphasizes the action of flinging something away. Stronger than 捨てる.
To make someone fall down or be moved forcefully, often in sports or combat.
To throw someone down forcefully, as in judo or a fight.
彼は相手を投げ飛ばした。
He threw his opponent down.
General verb for knocking someone down. Not specifically a 'throw', but often used when the result is falling.
To host or organize a social gathering.
The most natural way to say 'throw a party'. 開く means to hold or host an event.
今度の土曜日にパーティーを開きます。
I'm throwing a party this Saturday.
A simpler, more casual way to say 'have a party'. Less formal than 開く.
今夜パーティーをしよう！
Let's throw a party tonight!
To suddenly cause someone or something to be in a particular state, often negative.
Pattern meaning 'to throw into (a state)'. Used for confusion, panic, crisis, etc.
そのニュースは国中を混乱に陥れた。
The news threw the whole country into confusion.
Causative form can express 'make someone...' which often translates 'throw into' states.
彼の言葉は彼女を怒らせた。
His words threw her into a rage.
To operate a mechanical switch or lever, often by moving it quickly.
Used for turning on a switch. Literally 'put in'. For 'throw the switch', say スイッチを入れる.
スイッチを入れてください。
Please throw the switch.
Used for levers or toggles that you push over. レバーを倒す means 'throw the lever'.
To direct a quick look or glance at someone.
Literary expression for 'throw a glance'. 視線 means gaze.
彼は彼女に鋭い視線を投げかけた。
He threw a sharp glance at her.
Casual way to say 'glance at'. Not a direct translation of 'throw', but conveys the quick action.
彼は彼女をちらっと見た。
He threw a glance at her.
To intentionally lose a game or match.
Literally 'lose on purpose'. The most direct way to express throwing a game.
彼はその試合をわざと負けた。
He threw the match.
Refers to match-fixing or rigging a game, often for gambling. Implies dishonesty.
そのボクサーは八百長をしたと非難された。
The boxer was accused of throwing the fight.
投げる means to throw something with the intention of sending it through the air, not to discard it. For 'throw away', use 捨てる.
投げる is the standard word for 'throw'. 放る is more casual and can imply tossing something carelessly or leaving something undone. 放る is also used in phrases like 放っておく (leave alone).
彼は私にボールを投げた。
He threw the ball to me.
彼女は手紙をゴミ箱に捨てた。
She threw the letter in the trash.
その知らせは彼をパニックに陥れた。
The news threw him into a panic.
彼はタバコを道に投げ捨てた。
He threw his cigarette away on the street.
The wrestler threw his opponent onto the mat.
Throw the lever toward you.