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.
He threw the ball.
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.
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).
He threw himself into the world of politics.
To get rid of something by putting it in the trash or abandoning it.
To make someone fall down or be moved forcefully, often in sports or combat.
To host or organize a social gathering.
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.
The news threw the whole country into confusion.
Causative form can express 'make someone...' which often translates 'throw into' states.
His words threw her into a rage.
To operate a mechanical switch or lever, often by moving it quickly.
To direct a quick look or glance at someone.
To intentionally lose a game or match.
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).
He threw the ball to me.
She threw the letter in the trash.
The news threw him into a panic.
He threw his cigarette away on the street.
レスラーは相手をマットに倒した。
The wrestler threw his opponent onto the mat.
Throw the lever toward you.