The verb echar in Spanish is a commonly used term that, when combined with different words, can take on a variety of meanings. It is a regular verb very frequently used in Spanish.

In this article, we will delve into some of the most frequently used Spanish phrases with echar, helping you understand their meanings and contexts. Let’s explore the richness of echar and see how it can add depth to your Spanish conversations.

Spanish Phrases with Echar

Let’s explore the following Spanish phrases with echar. These are very popular and used in everyday conversations. Echar is a versatile verb that can be used in various contexts, such as expressing throwing or casting something, as well as conveying the idea of putting up with or tolerating a particular situation. It’s fascinating how a single word can have so many nuances and applications in language.

Now let’s review today’s Spanish phrases with echar.

Echar la bronca (to tell off)

Echar la bronca is mainly used in Spanish. In Latin America, the verb regañar is used instead.

No me eches la bronca, no es mi culpa sino de Agustín.

Don’t tell me off, it’s not my fault but Agustín’s.

Luisa le echó la bronca a su hijo porque rompió el cristal de la ventana.

Luisa told her son off for breaking the window pane.

Echar a perder (to ruin)

La cocinera echó a perder el postre. Se lo olvidó en el horno.

The cook ruined the dessert. She forgot it in the oven.

El novio echó a perder la boda. Se emborrachó y rompió una mesa.

The groom ruined the wedding. He got drunk and broke a table.

Echar de menos (to miss)

Echar de menos is mainly used in Spanish. In Latin America, the verb extrañar is used instead.

Julia te echa de menos, quiere que vuelvas a vivir con ella.

Julia misses you, she wants you to live with her again.

Echo de menos mi país, no estoy acostumbrada a vivir en el extranjero.

I miss my country, I’m not used to living abroad.

Echar chispas (to be furious)

La perra rompió el sofá, Matías está echando chispas y le está gritando.

The dog broke the sofa, Matías is furious and he’s yelling at her.

Sergio y Victoria echan chispas. En la casa que alquilaron no funciona bien el agua.

Sergio and Victoria are furious. The water in the house they rented isn’t working well.

Echarse atrás (to back out)

Cuando vi el tamaño de Sao Paulo me eché atrás, no iré a estudiar allí.

When I saw the size of Sao Paulo I backed out, I won’t go to study there.

Fuimos a hacer la inscripción en el curso, pero nos echamos atrás cuando supimos el precio.

We went to make the registration for the course but we backed out when we found out its cost.

Echar abajo (to destroy)

Marisa estaba tan furiosa que casi echó abajo la puerta de su dormitorio.

Marisa was so angry she nearly destroyed bedroom door.

No han podido echar abajo el sistema que los vecinos construyeron en el barrio para ayudarse.

They haven’t been able to destroy the system neighbors built in their neighborhood to help each other.

Echar raíces (to put down roots)

Julián nunca echó raíces en España. Siempre quiso volver a Argentina.

Julián never put down roots in Spain. He always wanted to go back to Argentina.

Tu hermana echó raíces en París, habla francés perfectamente y tiene muchos amigos parisinos.

Your sister put down roots in Paris, she speaks French perfectly and she has many Parisian friends.

Exercises

There are more idioms with echar. In our blog, you can also practice idioms with dar, estar, hacer, llevar, poner, tener or tomar.

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Exercise 3

Categorized in:

Idioms and Phrases