The simple present tense of echar is used to describe actions happening in the present moment or habitual actions. For example, Ella echa la basura a la calle. (She throws out the trash onto the street.)

Echar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations in the simple present follow the typical pattern for this verb type.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Echar (to throw) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

Echar generally means to throw, cast, or put out, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To throw or cast: for example, Yo echo la pelota (I throw the ball).

To put or place: for example, Ella echa agua en la olla (She puts water in the pot).

To expel or kick out: for example, El portero echa a los borrachos del bar (The bouncer kicks out the drunks from the bar).

To add or mix in: for example, Tú echas sal a la comida (You add salt to the food).

To let out or release: for example, Nosotros echamos un suspiro de alivio (We let out a sigh of relief).

To lie down or take a nap (colloquial): for example, Ellos se echan una siesta (They take a nap).

To start or begin (colloquial): for example, Ustedes echan a caminar (You guys start walking).

To flirt or hit on someone (colloquial): for example, Él me echa los perros (He hits on me).

Examples

Examples of Echar in the Present Tense

Yo echo un vistazo al periódico todas las mañanas. (I take a look at the newspaper every morning.)

Mi hermana echa de menos a sus amigos cuando está lejos. (My sister misses her friends when she’s away.)

¿Tú echas un poco de azúcar en tu café? (Do you put some sugar in your coffee?)

Nosotros echamos una carrera los fines de semana. (We go for a run on the weekends.)

Ellos echan una mano en el refugio de animales. (They volunteer at the animal shelter.)

Mi mamá echa un vistazo a las noticias antes de salir. (My mom checks the news before leaving.)

¿Echas un ojo al bebé mientras preparo la cena? (Can you keep an eye on the baby while I make dinner?)

Nosotros echamos de menos los días de vacaciones. (We miss the vacation days.)

Ellos echan una partida de cartas los viernes. (They play a card game on Fridays.)

Yo echo un vistazo al menú antes de pedir. (I take a look at the menu before ordering.)

¿Tú echas una mano con las maletas? (Can you give me a hand with the suitcases?)

Ella echa un ojo al reloj para no llegar tarde. (She keeps an eye on the time so she’s not late.)

Nosotros echamos un partido de fútbol los domingos. (We play a soccer game on Sundays.)

Ellos echan de menos su ciudad natal. (They miss their hometown.)

Yo echo un vistazo al informe antes de la reunión. (I review the report before the meeting.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Echar (to throw) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.