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How to say "Throw" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "throw", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

捨てる

すてる (suteru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

投げる

なげる (nageru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "throw" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 捨てる and 投げる. In Japanese, 捨てる (すてる (suteru)) is typically associated with "to throw away, to discard" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used for disposing of unwanted items. Can also imply abandoning something.. On the other hand, 投げる (なげる (nageru)) maps to "to throw" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used for throwing objects. Can also be used metaphorically, e.g., 疑問を投げる. A literal translation of "throw" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "捨てる"
ごみをゴミ箱に捨ててください。
Please throw the trash in the bin.
Bilingual Context for "投げる"
彼は野球のボールを高く投げました。
He threw the baseball high.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "ごみをゴミ箱に捨ててください。" (Meaning: "Please throw the trash in the bin.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "捨てる" fits here because it means "to throw away, to discard" in the context of: "Please throw the trash in the bin.". "投げる" represents "to throw".