放り出す

ほうりだす

to throw out, to give up, to abandon

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 放り出す (ほうりだす) primarily means "to throw out" or "to toss away," but it also carries the figurative sense of "giving up" or "abandoning" something, such as a task or responsibility. It is a strong expression often implying a sudden or careless action.

Common Contexts

放り出す is frequently used when someone abruptly stops doing something or discards an object without care. For example, quitting a job suddenly or throwing an object away in frustration.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 放り出す + 仕事/問題/責任: to give up on work, problems, or responsibilities
  • 途中で放り出す: to abandon halfway
  • 放り出して逃げる: to abandon and run away

Register and Nuance

This verb is informal and can sound harsh or critical when used about people’s actions, especially when implying irresponsibility or carelessness.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 放り出す with 捨てる (to throw away) because both involve discarding. However, 放り出す often implies a more abrupt or emotional action, and can be used figuratively, while 捨てる is more neutral and literal.

Example Sentences

かれはしごとをとちゅうでほうりだしてしまった。

He gave up on his work halfway through.

こどもがあそんでいたおもちゃをほうりだした。

The child threw out the toy he was playing with.

もんだいをほうりだしてにげるわけにはいかない。

You can't just abandon the problem and run away.